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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
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An Injectable and Drug-loaded Supramolecular Hydrogel for Local Catheter Injection into the Pig Heart
Published on: June 7, 2015
Hydrogel Microtube Drug Carrier for Catheter-Based Intravascular Therapy
Shota Sato1, Hiroki Ohta2, Naoki Takakura1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a hydrogel microtube carrier for intravascular therapy. This barium alginate gel carrier stays in blood vessels, delivering drugs like Lipiodol without blocking blood flow.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Vascular Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Intravascular therapy requires effective drug delivery systems that can be retained within blood vessels.
- Current methods may face challenges with retention and blood flow obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate a novel hydrogel microtube carrier for intravascular drug delivery.
- To assess the carrier's ability to be retained in blood vessels without impeding blood flow.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a hydrogel microtube carrier using barium alginate gel.
- In vitro testing using vascular mimic models.
- In vivo experiments in rat models.
Main Results:
- The hydrogel microtube carrier demonstrated stable retention within blood vessels.
- No obstruction of blood flow was observed.
- Successful delivery of a model drug (Lipiodol) in the renal artery was achieved.
Conclusions:
- The proposed hydrogel microtube carrier is a viable platform for intravascular therapy.
- This technology advances the application of intravascular drug delivery and cell therapy.
