Evaluation of cytotoxicity for novel composite embolic microspheres: Material optimization by response surface methodology

Novel composite microspheres were synthesized by thermally induced phase separation and successfully optimized via response surface methodology (RSM) based on a 5-level, 2-factor D-Optimal experimental design. The parameters were based on two compositional factors: PLGA (10–20 wt%) and ORP5 glass (0–20 wt%) in 12 experimental runs. Using the RSM approach, key composition-property relationships were identified; where the optimum composites derived for these microspheres was a PLGA/ORP5 content of 10.59 wt%:2.01 wt%. A maximum loading of 4.30 wt% ORP5 glass is required to establish target cell viabilities of ∼100% from 12 to 120 h incubation periods. This study highlights the value of RSM in optimizing properties for these composite microspheres and shows their potential for use in peripheral vascular embolization procedures.

► Empirical models for PLGA/glass composites were developed using the RSM approach.
► Glass loadings significantly increase cell viabilities up to 138% from 24 to 120 h.
► Loadings <4.3 wt% glass in 10.59 to 11.58 wt% PLGA may provide ∼100% cell viabilities.