Fig. 1

NPs and Gel characterizations. A Size, Zeta potential distributions and TEM of LF@EMO-NPs. B Size, Zeta potential distribution and TEM of HA/LF@EMO-NPs. C Comparison of size, Zeta potential distributions of LF@EMO-NPs and HA/LF@EMO-NPs. D XRD spectra of different preparations. a Free EMO, (b) Free LF, (c) Free HA, (d) Blank NPs, (e) HA/LF@EMO-NPs, and (f) mixed free EMO, LF and HA. E–G Heavy loads, Gelation time, pH of Gel with different weight ratio of CS/β-GP (vs 1:3). H Inverted vial experiments demonstrate Gel formation in the presence and absence of HA/LF@EMO-NPs. I SEM image of HA/LF@EMO-NPs Gel. J In vitro release profiles of EMO from Free EMO, HA/LF@EMO-NPs, EMO Gel and HA/LF@EMO-NPs Gel in PBS (pH 7.4) containing 0.5% Tween-80 at 37 °C. Data are represented as the mean ± SEM (n = 3). *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01