Hydrogels in endovascular embolization. VI. Toxicity tests of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) particles on cell cultures.

Cytotoxicity of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [poly(HEMA)] hydrogel spherical particles, prepared by radical suspension polymerization and designed for endovascular occlusion, was studied in vitro on cell cultures. Testing methods included a direct contact test and extraction test. No inhibition of growth of cells surrounding the poly(HEMA) beads and a very low inhibition of cell viability, only in concentrated extracts in long-term contact, were observed. As a result, poly(HEMA) beads can be considered non-toxic.