Novel liquid embolic materials for brain endovascular therapy: natural polymer composite activated by blood calcium ions

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17H02080
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Biomedical engineering/Biomaterial science and engineering
• Research Institution: Shinshu University
• Principal Investigator: Ohkawa Kousaku 信州大学, 学術研究院繊維学系, 教授 (60291390)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 馬目 佳信 東京慈恵会医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (30219539) ; 結城 一郎 東京慈恵会医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (60301537) ; 野村 隆臣 信州大学, 学術研究院繊維学系, 准教授 (90362110)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 液体塞栓剤 / 天然多糖 / 水溶液 / 脳血管内治療

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In clinical aspects of brain endovascular therapes, along with skullbase operations, micro-catheter is a routine, major delivery device which allows less invasive surgeries, shortening a hospitalization period of patients. Embolic materials delivered with microcatheters, however, involves some issues in medical ecnomomy system to save the surgery costs, as well as quality of life of patients. In this projects, PI and co-investigators established a new generation liquid enbolic matrial （LEM) composed of water and natural polymers, which are activated by calcium ions in blood. Embolization performance of the LEM prototypes were evaluated in vitro/vivo, and results are mostly comparable with the products currently available in the market. The composition and manufacturing methods have been filed/patented, which suggests that this new technology has a potential for market release.

Free Research Field

生体材料化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

安全性の高い血管塞栓剤を安価に製造できる基礎技術が、本研究により開発された。この技術は、天然多糖と低分子化合物間の相互作用を利用し、例えば、従来の経口投与薬等において用いられる多糖類の使用方法を革新し、血管内投与への応用を可能にするものである。これにより、血管内手技を担当する臨床医の治療選択肢の幅を広げる。本研究において試作した液体塞栓剤は、安価に製造することもできるため、腫瘍塞栓を含む高度医療における医療費支出削減に貢献すると期待される。