MRI traceability of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle-embedded chitosan microspheres as an embolic material in rabbit uterus

Abstract

ORIGINAL ARTICLE PURPOSEWe aimed to compare polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles with calibrated superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticle-loaded chitosan microspheres in a rabbit model, specifically regarding the relative distribution of embolic agents within the uterus based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathological evaluation. METHODSTwelve New Zealand white rabbits underwent uterine artery embolization using either standard PVA particles (45-150 µm or 350-500 µm) or calibrated SPIO-embedded chitosan microspheres (45-150 µm or 300-500 µm). MRI and histopathological findings were compared one week after embolization. RESULTSCalibrated SPIO-loaded chitosan microspheres 45-150 µm in size were detected on T2-weighted images. On histological analysis, calibrated SPIO-embedded chitosan microspheres were found in both myometrium and endometrium, whereas PVA particles were found only in the perimyometrium or extrauterine fat pads. A proportional relationship was noted between the calibrated SPIO-embedded chitosan microsphere size and the size of the occluded artery. CONCLUSION Calibrated SPIO-embedded chitosan microspheres induced greater segmental arterial occlusion than PVA particles and showed great potential as a new embolic material. SPIO-embedded chitosan microspheres can be used to follow distribution of embolic particles through MRI studies.

Engineered polymeric microspheres obtained by multi-step method as potential systems for transarterial embolization and intraoperative imaging of HCC: Preliminary evaluation

“…Therefore, it is important to explore a new kind of multi-functional embolic agent. During the last years, several research groups have focused their attention on the development of detectable embolic systems by using different traceability modalities [21][22][23][24].…”

<p>MRI Detectable Polymer Microspheres Embedded With Magnetic Ferrite Nanoclusters For Embolization: In Vitro And In Vivo Evaluation</p>

“…Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have already been encapsulated in various microspheres, such as microspheres of chitosan,13,18 alginate,14,15 poly (lactic acid)/poly (ethylene glycol),19 and poly (lactide-co-glycolide),20,21 to prepare MRI-visualized embolic agents due to their relatively low cytotoxicity, long-term contrast enhancement, low cost, and easy availability. However, the imaging intensity of SPIONs embedded in microspheres is not enough in some cases when more detailed information is needed.…”

Magnetic alginate microspheres detected by MRI fabricated using microfluidic technique and release behavior of encapsulated dual drugs

“…Alternatively, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology recently plays an important role in the field of medical imaging diagnosis. MRI can not only track where the embolic agents are located precisely on real time [12][13][14][15][16] but also prevent the patient from the radiation hazards. 17,18 In the MRI technology, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO NPs) are usually added into embolic agents to endow them with enhanced MRI visuality.…”

“…Although the size of the microspheres is relatively small, the wide size distribution (300~500 µm) would lead to an uncontrollable embolization. 13 In the earlier TACE therapy, the embolic agent usually contains single drug, for example, Lipiodol ® emulsion loaded with a certain anti-cancer drug. In general, such emulsion has poor stability because the loaded drug diffuses quickly into the blood circulation.…”