Monodisperse Microshell Structured Gelatin Microparticles for Temporary Chemoembolization

Biomacromolecules. 2018 Feb 12;19(2):386-391. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b01479. Epub 2018 Jan 16.

Abstract

Embolization is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure that deliberately blocks a blood vessel. Although several embolic particles have been commercialized, their much wider applications have been hampered owing mainly to particle size variation and uncontrollable degradation kinetics. Herein we introduce a microfluidic approach to fabricate highly monodisperse gelatin microparticles (GMPs) with a microshell structure. For this purpose, we fabricate uniform gelatin emulsion precursors using a microfluidic technique and consecutively cross-link them by inbound diffusion of glutaraldehyde from the oil continuous phase to the suspending gelatin precursor droplets. A model micromechanic study, carried out in an artificial blood vessel, demonstrates that the extraordinary degradation kinetics of the GMPs, which stems from the microshell structure, enables controlled rupturing while exhibiting drug release under temporary chemoembolic conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Animals
  • Capsules / administration & dosage
  • Capsules / chemistry*
  • Chemoembolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry
  • Drug Liberation
  • Emulsions / chemistry
  • Gelatin / chemistry*
  • Glutaral / chemistry
  • Mice
  • Microfluidics

Substances

  • Capsules
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Emulsions
  • Gelatin
  • Glutaral