Fe₃O₄@Polydiallyl Isophthalate Magnetic Microspheres for Enhanced MRI/CT and Magnetothermal Effect-Guided Tumor Ablation

Abstract

Background: Multi-functional embolic microspheres for treating stage B hepatocellar carcinoma often require complex synthesis processes and harsh conditions. But the traditional embolic agents (e.g. polyvinyl alcohol and iodized oil) often cause unexpected embolism and have potential risks of damaging the human body. The aim of this research was to use a photo-click method to prepare multifunctional microspheres with magnetocaloric effect and MR/CT/DSA imaging function used in the transcatheter arterial embolization.Methods: Fe3O4@polydiallyl isophthalate (Fe3O4@PDAIP) magnetic microspheres were synthesized by one-pot photopolymerization without hindered by degradative chain transfer. The in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects were characterized with hepatoma cell experiments and tumor-bearing mouse model. The DSA and CT in vitro were utilized to evaluate imaging ability of Fe3O4@PDAIP. The safe was tested via histopathological examination and serum detection.Result: The results showed that Fe3O4@PDAIP magnetic microspheres had ablation effect on tumor cells and had imaging effect through MR/CT/DSA scanning. The microspheres was heated to 42-48 oC by magnetocaloric effect in alternating magnetic field, which significantly decreased the activity of mouse liver cancer cells in vitro. In vivo, it can inhibit the growth of tumor after magnetothermal therapy without obvious toxicity.Conclusion: Fe3O4@PDAIP magnetic microspheres can be potentially applied to the locoregional and precise interventional treatment of liver tumors.