Heat and Heal: Microwave-Responsive Gelling Hydrogel Nanocomposites for Postablation Extracellular Matrix Normalization and Chemotherapy Sensitization

-rich core and a tranilast-loaded shell, into alginate solution. Under microwave irradiation, the polar salt core generated rapid heating, ruptured, and released calcium ions, which cross-linked alginate to form a stable hydrogel in situ. By integrating microwave sensitization with postablation microenvironment regulation, this strategy simultaneously resolves insufficient heating and aberrant ECM remodeling, enabling improved chemotherapeutic efficacy. This simple and biocompatible platform provides a rational approach for improving local tumor MWA and reducing postablation recurrence.