Physical Encapsulation and Chemotherapy: A Synergistic Hydrogel Strategy for Tumor Suppression

DOX-Mix Gel synergistically combines physical encapsulation and chemotherapy to suppress tumor growth by blocking blood supply, inducing metabolic stress, and enhancing DOX cytotoxicity.

Abstract

Conventional chemotherapy remains a fundamental strategy for cancer treatment but is often limited by systemic toxicity. To address this challenge, Mix Gel is developed as a hybrid hydrogel combining the biocompatibility of decellularized omentum hydrogel and the mechanical stability of sodium alginate. Peritumoral injection of Mix Gel effectively achieves tumor encapsulation and growth inhibition. To enhance therapeutic efficacy, doxorubicin is incorporated, forming DOX-Mix Gel, which synergistically improves antitumor outcomes through physical encapsulation and sustained drug release. In vivo, DOX-Mix Gel significantly inhibits tumor proliferation, induces apoptosis, disrupts blood supply, and triggers metabolic stress, resulting in marked tumor suppression. Mix Gel provides a scalable, minimally invasive, and clinically promising strategy for solid tumor therapy.