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Novel Vascular-Adaptive Liquid Metal Microspheres Enable Visualized Arterial Embolization Therapy.
Chenyu Shen1,2,3, Junge Chen4, Gang Zhang1
1CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|March 20, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed radiopaque liquid metal microspheres for arterial embolization therapy. These novel embolic agents offer improved real-time monitoring and efficient, long-lasting tumor treatment, reducing recurrence risks.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Interventional Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Arterial embolization is key for tumor treatment.
- Conventional agents lack radiopacity and effective embolization.
- This leads to monitoring challenges, low necrosis rates, and recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a radiopaque liquid metal microsphere for enhanced arterial embolization.
- To evaluate its properties for improved tumor treatment and monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Liquid gallium was sonicated to create microspheres with a liquid core and oxide layer.
- Surface modification allowed for drug loading (X-MEN).
- Microsphere properties (fluidity, viscoelasticity, deformability) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Radiopaque liquid metal microspheres demonstrated excellent fluidity and deformability for microcatheter navigation.
- Efficient embolization and vessel wall conformity were achieved.
- Microspheres remained stable for over six months with no recanalization, allowing real-time image-guided monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Liquid metal microspheres are promising long-acting embolic agents.
- They enable precise, image-guided arterial embolization.
- This approach improves tumor treatment outcomes and reduces recurrence.
