Poly(terephthalic acid diallyl ester) embedded by tantalum microspheres (PTADE@Ta) for precise and long-term X-ray imaging in the embolization

Transcatheter arterial embolization is one of the important tools in the interventional treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the existing embolic agents cannot achieve long-term visualization effectiveness. Therefore, we developed a radiopaque embolic microsphere (PTADE@Ta) capable of long-term imaging. PTADE@Ta was successfully prepared by dispersing tantalum nanoparticles in a poly (diallyl terephthalate) via photopolymerization. The microspheres were characterized by SEM observation and thermogravimetric analysis. The in vitro biocompatibility was assessed by determining the cell metabolic activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and the in vivo biocompatibility was assessed by observing tissue sections from New Zealand white rabbits. Their non-degradability was verified by their degradability in lysozyme solution. The radiopaque effect was verified by X-ray and CT imaging capability. The results showed that the embolic product has good dispersibility, thermal stability, biocompatibility and long-term imaging.