Print Email Facebook Twitter Neutron activation of holmium poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres for hepatic arterial radioembolization: A validation study Title Neutron activation of holmium poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres for hepatic arterial radioembolization: A validation study Author Vente, M.A.D. Nijsen, J.F.W. De Roos, R. Van Steenbergen, M.J. Kaaijk, C.N.J. Koster-Ammerlaan, M.J.J. De Leege, P.F.A. Hennink, W.E. Van het Schip, A.D. Krijger, G.C. Faculty Applied Sciences Department Reactor Institute Delft Date 2009-02-25 Abstract Poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres loaded with holmium-166 acetylacetonate (166Ho-PLLA-MS) are a novel microdevice for intra-arterial radioembolization in patients with unresectable liver malignancies. The neutron activation in a nuclear reactor, in particular the gamma heating, damages the 166Ho-PLLA-MS. The degree of damage is dependent on the irradiation characteristics and irradiation time in a particular reactor facility. The aim of this study was to standardize and objectively validate the activation procedure in a particular reactor. The methods included light- and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, viscometry, thermal neutron flux measurements and energy deposition calculations. Seven hours-neutron irradiation results in sufficient specific activity of the 166Ho-PLLA-MS while structural integrity is preserved. Neutron flux measurements and energy deposition calculations are required in the screening of other nuclear reactors. For the evaluation of microsphere quality, light microscopy, SEM and particle size analysis are appropriate techniques. Subject HolmiumMicrospheresNeutron irradiationPLLALiverTumor To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:7620b04f-8871-4799-940f-0eeee9a20d17 Publisher Springer ISSN 1572-8781 Source Biomedical Microdevices, 11 (4) Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type journal article Rights (c) 2009 The Authors Files PDF vente_2009.pdf 332.3 KB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:7620b04f-8871-4799-940f-0eeee9a20d17/datastream/OBJ/view