Degradable Magnesium and Its Surface Modification as Tumor Embolic Agent for Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an effective method for traditional cancer treatment. Currently, various embolic agents block the blood vessels in the TACE operation. In this paper, the feasibility of the degradable Mg applied for TACE was explored innovatively. The degradation behavior of Mg particles and PLLA modified Mg particles used as embolic agents in contrast media was studied. The morphology and corrosion products were also characterized. After two days of immersion, the pH of the contrast agent was increased to 9.79 and 10.28 by the PLLA-modified Mg particles and unmodified Mg, respectively. The results show that the surface-modified Mg particles with PLLA have an eligible degradation rate to release degradation products and form an acceptable microenvironment. It is feasible to be used as an embolic agent in TACE.