Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed herein to define a suite of shear-thinning hydrogels exhibiting piezoelectric properties. The piezoelectric materials described can be injected percutaneously or via transcatheter vascular route into a target environment for the locoregional stimulation of cells or tissues using wireless impulses as actuation mechanisms. These external stimuli introduce either an electrical or mechanical response in the implanted piezoelectric materials for medical interventions including tumor ablation, drug delivery, electroporation, chemo-electroporation, neural stimulation, wound healing, cardiovascular applications and musculoskeletal pain management.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to injectable shear-thinning compositions that comprise (a) one or more types of fibrous proteins, (b) one or more types of silicate microparticles, (c) one or more types of radiopaque additives, (d) one or more types of cryoprotectants, and (e) water. Other aspects of the present disclosure pertain to kits that contains such compositions and medical procedures that comprise administering such compositions to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device for treating solid tumors utilizing shear thinning biomaterials compositions containing beta- or alpha emitting radiation sources, polymer matrix, and/or radiopaque agent. The novel radioactive composition which is disclosed here, can be injected percutaneously or via transcatheter vascular route into the target environment for the locoregional treatment. This invention is comprised of a shear thinning biomaterial which, when combined with a radioactive isotope source, can provide a therapeutic dose of radiation locally to the tumor site minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissue. The device may be used either as the primary tumor treatment or for treatment of residual cancer cells after excision of the primary tumor. The present invention provides a method for making the shear thinning radioactive biomaterial composition, as well as a method for utilizing the composition as a part of the treatment method.