Photopolymerized pH-responsive GelMA microspheres with doxorubicin modification for embolization therapy

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an important method in the treatment of liver cancer and identification of an ideal microsphere for embolization is a key step in its development. Here, we used a microfluidic device to prepare uniformly sized Photopolymerized pH-Responsive GelMA Microspheres with Doxorubicin Modification (DOX-GelMA) that integrated embolization and drug delivery properties. The acid-sensitive doxorubicin (DOX) prodrug was synthesized through a three-step reaction and coupled during curing of the microspheres under UV irradiation. The microspheres exhibited significant pH-responsive drug release in the tumor microenvironment and had a good degradation performance over 18 days. Microscopic images and scanning electron microscopy results showed that the microspheres had good sphericity and uniform particle size (96.61 ± 0.046 μm), and that the particle size and their degree of swelling were suitable for embolization therapy. In vitro cytotoxicity and blood compatibility experiments showed that the microspheres were good biocompatible. The drug-loaded microspheres had obvious inhibitory effect on HepG2. A rabbit ear embolization study demonstrated that the microspheres could effectively block arterial blood flow. The DOX-GelMA microspheres simultaneously achieved physical targeted therapy and chemotherapy, and had great prospects in TACE therapy.