Anticancer activity and embolization evaluation of open porous PBVHx embolic microspheres loaded with triptolide

In this study, we developed triptolide (TP)-loaded open-pore PBVHx microspheres (TP@OPMs) and compared their anticancer and embolization capabilities with those of TP-loaded sealed PBVHx microspheres (TP@SMs). TP@OPMs, characterized by an open surface and interconnected internal pores, showed higher water absorption (2860%) and porosity (79.69%), but slightly lower TP encapsulation efficiency (79 ± 0.32%) compared to TP@SMs, and achieved sustained TP release of 75.29% over 21 days. All PBVHx microspheres without TP demonstrated good biocompatibility, but TP@OPMs exhibited superior inhibitory effects on HepG2 cells compared to TP@SMs, with a hemolysis rate below 5%. In in vivo central arterial embolization experiments, TP@OPMs outperformed other microspheres and commercial gelatin microspheres, achieving the highest necrosis rate (50.70%). This resulted in the successful induction of ischemic necrosis and tissue detachment. These findings suggest that TP@OPMs are not only an effective drug delivery system but also have significant potential in embolization applications. This strategy provides a promising approach for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and other malignant tumors.