Synthesis and characterization of 3-in-1 multifunctional lipiodol-doped Fe₃O₄@Poly(diallyl isophthalate) microspheres for arterial embolization, chemotherapy, and imaging

Abstract Transcatheter arterial embolization plays a pivotal role in treating various diseases. However, the efficacy of embolization therapy in cancer treatment can be limited by several factors, such as inevitable incomplete or non-target embolization, and the tumor recurrence and metastasis caused by the hypoxic microenvironment. Moreover, it is essential to explore simpler, more economical, and efficient methods for microsphere synthesis. Herein, we achieved one-step photocatalytic synthesis of lipiodol-doped Fe 3 O 4 @Poly (diallyl iso -phthalate) multifunctional microspheres (IFeD MS) for arterial embolization, chemotherapy, and imaging. The prepared microspheres are in the shape of dried plums, with a particle size of 100–300 μm. Lipiodol demonstrates a certain degree of chemotherapeutic activity, and the incorporation of Fe 3 O 4 enables the microspheres to exhibit magnetothermal response and magnetic resonance imaging capabilities. Furthermore, the radiopaque characteristics of both agents provide the microspheres with promising potential for computed tomography and digital radiography imaging. The renal embolization experiment in rabbits demonstrated that IFeD MS achieved significant embolization and chemotherapeutic effects. Biocompatibility experiments revealed that this embolic agent did not induce tissue damage or inflammation beyond the treatment area. Additionally, IFeD MS exhibited promising imaging potential. The results of this study imply that the developed multifunctional embolic agent IFeD MS may have significant potential in transforming tumors previously only suitable for palliative cares into resectable radical treatments.