Injectable hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels with carbon dots and an iron complex for embolization

Key Points

• This research aims to improve the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through a novel hydrogel formulation.
• Developed injectable hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels with carbon dots and an iron complex.
• Tested the hydrogels for their embolization capabilities in a model of HCC.
• Evaluated vascular infiltration and therapeutic synergy with existing treatments.
• The newly developed hydrogels showed enhanced vascular infiltration compared to conventional methods.
• Improved embolization consistency was observed with the hydrogel treatment.
• There was a notable increase in therapeutic synergy in the application of these hydrogels.