Development of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs)-embedded chitosan microspheres for Magnetic Resonance (MR)-traceable embolotherapy

Abstract

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs)-embedded chitosan microspheres were developed for magnetic resonance (MR)-traceable embolotherapy. SPIOs-loaded chitosan microspheres were prepared by emulsion and cross-linking technique and 100-200 μm sized spherical microsparticles were obtained. Loading efficacy and loading amount of SPIOs in microspheres were about 40% and 0.26-0.32%, respectively, when measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Within 30 days, about 60% of the incorporated SPIOs were released from low cross-linked microspheres, whereas only about 40% of SPIOs was released from highly cross-linked microspheres. Highly cross-linked microspheres were more efficient for lower degree of swelling leading to secure entrapment of SPIOs in matrix. Prepared novel embolic microspheres are expected to be practically applicable for traceable embolotherapy with high resolution and sensitivity through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).