Abstract
Background and aims Although various solutions have been tested for submucosal injections during endoscopic
treatment, the ideal solution has not been established. We investigated the suitability
of a cellulose nanofiber (CNF) dispersion with high viscosity and thixotropy as a
potential submucosal injection material for endoscopic treatment.
Methods We evaluated the catheter injectability and mucosa-elevating capacity of CNF dispersion
compared with sodium hyaluronate (SH) solution, which has been reported to be a promising
submucosal injection solution. The catheter injectability of CNF dispersion was examined
under conditions equivalent to those used clinically in endoscopic treatment. The
mucosa-elevating capacity of CNF dispersion was examined in porcine stomachs.
Results There was no significant difference between the catheter injectability of 0.4 % CNF
dispersion and 0.4 % SH solutions; however, 0.4 % CNF dispersion maintained significantly
higher and longer elevation of the submucosal layer than 0.4 % SH solution. A clear
separation of the mucosal layer from the underlying muscle layer was achieved by injecting
0.4 % CNF dispersion.
Conclusion This preliminary study suggests that CNF dispersion could be an ideal submucosal
injection material for endoscopic treatment because of its unique high thixotropy
index.
