Microspheres

Commentary on "Transarterial Embolization Alone Versus Drug-Eluting Microspheres Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (RAD-18-TACE): A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial" Mosconi C, et al. CVIR 2026.

Sato Yozo Y, Tsuchiya Satoshi S, Takaki Haruyuki H, Matsueda Kiyoshi K

Accurate Control of Microspheres by Surface Acoustic Waves for Quantitative Force Characterization and Cell Mechanics Measurement.

Qu Hengchao H, Shi Jialin J, Wang Hongyu H, Zhang Zijian Z et al.

The mechanical properties of cells are critical indicators of cellular physiological state and function. However, existing technologies still face challenges in achieving non-contact, force-calibrated, and precisely controlled single-probe measurements of single-cell mechanical properties. A phase-programmable surface acoustic wave (SAW) platform is presented, in which orthogonally arranged interdigitated transducers (IDTs) generate controllable acoustic fields for deterministic two-dimensional manipulation of microspheres. Dynamic phase modulation of the SAW fields enables high-precision microsphere steering while producing tunable acoustic radiation forces in the piconewton-nanonewton range. To enable direct quantitative characterization of acoustic forces, a calibrated microneedle-microsphere force probe is integrated into the platform. This configuration establishes an experimental phase-force relationship, enabling in situ calibration of acoustic radiation forces without relying on theoretical models or indirect calculation. Based on this experimentally calibrated acoustic force framework, SAW-driven 5 μm microspheres are employed as localized single probes to perform controlled acoustic indentation of adherent C2C12 myoblasts. The apparent Young's modulus is determined to be 1.63 ± 0.21 kPa using Hertzian contact mechanics and shows agreement with AFM-based measurements under comparable experimental conditions. c Overall, this work establishes a calibrated acoustic radiation force measurement and single-cell apparent Young's modulus characterization approach. This approach may have potential significance for non-contact mechanophenotyping and lab-on-chip based cell mechanics studies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: R2: Accurate single-cell mechanical characterization is limited by the lack of direct force calibration and controllable acoustic loading in SAW-based techniques. In this work, we implemented a phase-programmable SAW platform that enables deterministic microsphere manipulation and controllable acoustic force generation. By integrating a calibrated microneedle-microsphere probe, we established a direct phase-force relationship, enabling in situ and direct measurement of acoustic radiation forces and overcoming reliance on theoretical or indirect force estimation. This calibrated acoustic manipulation framework further enables controlled probe-based indentation of adherent cells and quantitative determination of their apparent Young's modulus. The proposed work may advance acoustic force-based mechanophenotyping and provide a promising pathway toward scalable, chip-integrated single-cell mechanical analysis.

Phase I Dose-Escalation Study Combining Irinotecan-Loaded Drug-Eluting Bead Chemoembolization with Yttrium-90 Glass Microspheres Radioembolization in Colorectal Liver Metastases (DEBIR90Y).

Ho Li Shen LS, Alsultan Ahmed A, Smits Maarten L J MLJ, Koopman Miriam M et al.

To find the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of yttrium-90 (90Y) glass microspheres, with irinotecan-loaded drug-eluting beads (DEBIRI) in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). In this prospective study, participants with bilobar, unresectable, liver-dominant CRLM progressing after first-line systemic therapy received sequential bilobar 90Y glass microsphere radioembolization at increasing dose levels (60 Gy, 80 Gy, 100 Gy perfused normal liver absorbed dose), followed by DEBIRI, using a 3+3 dose-escalation design. The primary endpoint was MTD determination. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST 1.1 and PERCIST, (serious) adverse events ((S)AEs), carcinoembryonic antigen response (CEA), conversion to resection, and overall survival. Descriptive statistics and independent t-tests were applied. Twelve participants were enrolled. One dose-limiting toxicity (DLT; possible treatment-related fatal liver failure) occurred in the 80 Gy cohort, with no additional DLTs after cohort expansion (n=6). At 100 Gy, two additional DLTs (probable and possible treatment-related fatal liver failure) occurred, establishing 80 Gy as the MTD when combined with full-dose DEBIRI. Eighty treatment-related (S)AEs occurred, most commonly increased gamma-glutamyl transferase (12/12, grade 1-3) and abdominal pain (10/12, grade 1-2). ORR was 9% (RECIST) and 18% (PERCIST). Index lesion response rates were 20% (RECIST) and 35% (PERCIST). CEA response occurred in 42%. In this phase I study in patients with liver-dominant colorectal metastases, receiving a combination of yttrium-90 radioembolization with DEBIRI combined with DEBIRI, the maximum tolerated dose was 80 Gy. Considerable treatment-related toxicity was observed and objective response rates were limited.

Size-Tailored Nanospaces in Hierarchical Magnetic Core-Shell Microspheres for Lipase Immobilization and Phytosterol Ester Synthesis.

Fan Yuqi Y, He Zhonglin Z, Mao Jin J, Deng Qianchun Q et al.

A size-matched magnetic core-shell platform (Fe3O4@MnO2@mSiO2) was constructed for immobilizing Candida rugosa lipase (CRL). The flower-like MnO2 interlayer provides chemical shielding, while mesoporous channels were expanded to 6.45 nm to geometrically match CRL (approximately 5 nm). Driven by interfacial activation, the support exhibited a selective purification effect, achieving a high activity-based immobilization yield (85.2%) and protein loading (143.1 mg g-1). The immobilized specific activity reached 31.4 U mg-1 (1.57-fold higher than the free enzyme) with 88.2% recovered activity. Crucially, in the sterically demanding esterification of phytosterols, the biocatalyst achieved 84.33% maximum conversion at 50 °C within 40 h. Furthermore, the rigid silica walls exerted a spatial "cage effect" that locked the enzyme active conformation, conferring exceptional thermal stability and reusability. This hierarchical support design offers a robust solution for macromolecular industrial biocatalysis.