MoS₂ Nanozyme–Chlorella Hydrogels: Pioneering a Hepatocellular Carcinoma Integrative Therapy

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a formidable challenge to global health, and surgical resection is the predominant therapeutic strategy. However, the efficacy of postoperative adjuvant treatments is often compromised by the need to preserve liver function. The authors’ meta‐analysis reveals a significant correlation between impaired liver function and decreased survival rates in HCC patients, highlighting the critical need for interventions to protect liver function. To address this, an innovative injectable composite hydrogel system is engineered, designated MC@PHDA, which encapsulates Molybdenum disulfide MoS₂ nanozymes and Chlorella photosensitizers within a hyaluronic acid‐dopamine/2‐aminoethyl methacrylate (HA‐DA/AMA) matrix. This system offers a comprehensive therapeutic approach to HCC, combining photodynamic and photothermal therapies to selectively target and eradicate cancer cells; while, inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) to stimulate an antitumor immune response. The MC@PHDA hydrogel leverages the ROS‐scavenging properties of MoS₂ to mitigate oxidative liver injury and promote hepatocyte regeneration. Thus, the multifaceted therapeutic design of the MC@PHDA hydrogel represents a paradigm‐shifting strategy for HCC treatment that targets tumor cells; while, concurrently promoting liver repair and regeneration. This study introduces a groundbreaking approach for the integrative management of HCC, with the potential to significantly enhance patient survival and quality of life.