Preparation and characterization of a magnetic microsphere synthesized from sucrose allyl ether for transcatheter arterial embolization

The polymerization of allyl monomers has been reported as notoriously difficult because of degradative chain transfer induced by the allyl radical as a primary radical with resonance-stabilized structure. A favorable approach is to produce polymers from inert monomers by using photodriven radical–mediated cyclization reaction (PRMC). In this study, Fe3O4 at sucrose allyl ether (Fe3O4@SAE) magnetic microspheres with sucrose as the skeleton and encapsulated nanomagnetic particles was prepared by PRMC. Its morphology and performance were characterized by using microscope, infrared, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive spectrometer, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The feasibility as an embolic agent was evaluated by catheter transportability and cell compatibility. The results show that Fe3O4@SAE (sucrose allyl ether) magnetic microspheres have an average particle size of 371 μm, regular spherical shape, good dispersion, basically non-toxicity, and good cell compatibility. It has a certain degree of magnetism and can use alternating magnetic fields to achieve targeted embolization.