Thermo-sensitive composite hydrogels based on poloxamer 407 and alginate and their therapeutic effect in embolization in rabbit VX2 liver tumors

Abstract

Interventional embolization therapy is an effective, most widely used method for inoperable liver tumors. Blood-vessel-embolic agents were essential in transarterial embolization (TAE). In this work, thermo-sensitive composite hydrogels based on poloxamer 407, sodium alginate, hydroxymethyl cellulose and iodixanol (PSHI), together with Ca2+ (PSHI-Ca2+) were prepared as liquid embolic agents for TAE therapy to liver cancer. With increasing temperature, PSHI exhibited two phase states: a flowing sol and a shrunken gel. Rheology tests showed good fluidity and excellent viscoelastic behavior with a gelation temperature (GT) of 26.5°C. The studies of erosion indicated that PSHI had calcium ion-related erosion characteristics and showed a slow erosion rate in an aqueous environment. When incubated with L929 cells, the thermo-sensitive composite hydrogels had low cytotoxicity in vitro. The results of analyzing the digital subtraction angiography and computed tomography images obtained from in vitro and in vivo assays indicated a good embolic effect in the renal arteries of normal rabbits. Angiography and histological studies on VX2 tumor-bearing rabbits indicated that PSHI-Ca2+ successfully occluded the tumors, including the peripheral vessels. In conclusion, PSHI-Ca2+ was a promising embolic agent for transarterial embolization therapy.

ECM based injectable thermo-sensitive hydrogel on the recovery of injured cartilage induced by osteoarthritis

“…Preparation of PF/GAG@BSA hydrogels PF/GAG composite hydrogels were prepared according to a previously reported cold method [19,20]. Briefly, 2 g PF127 and 0.05 g GAG for each formulation was added into 7.95 g sterilized ultrapure water and stirred overnight at 4 C until the homogeneous and clear solution is obtained.…”

Characterization and in vitro evaluation of a vaginal gel containing Lactobacillus crispatus for the prevention of gonorrhea

“…Besides, they can be self-administered without partner knowledge. Several studies have been focused on the formulation of viscoelastic and temperature-sensitive hydrogels based on poloxamer 407, with remanence capacity at the vaginal mucosa and sufficient resistance to dilution in presence of vaginal fluids (Aka- Any-Grah et al, 2010;Huang et al, 2016;Liu et al, 2009). In aqueous solution, this synthetic poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer forms micelles above a critical micelle concentration or temperature.…”

“…Indeed, a recent study showed that sodium alginate in oil-poloxamer organogels intended for vaginal administration of voriconazole were non-cytotoxic towards HeLa and Vero cell lines (Querobino et al 2019). Huang et al (2016) also reported an absence of cytotoxicity in mouse fibroblast (L929) cell line of thermosensitive composite hydrogels based on poloxamer 407 and alginate used in transarterial embolization therapy. To the best of our knowledge, there is only one published study reporting the use of a gel for the administration of Lactobacilli into the vagina (Vigani et al, 2019).…”

Emerging Biomaterials‐Based Strategies for Inhibiting Vasculature Function in Cancer Therapy

“…PSHI material can be recanalized within 30 min, while PSHI-Ca 2+ hydrogel had a good blocking effect within 7 d and achieved outstanding curative effect in rabbit VX2 liver tumors. [36]…”