We propose microsphere infusion and microsphere coating as two augmentations of traditional sol-gel microsphere processing as a way to reduce the radiation hazards for several potential applications areas. First, we propose to infuse inert metal oxide microspheres (such as alumina) with either target materials (for subsequent irradiation and transmutation of the loaded species) or desired radioactive species. This approach can be desirable in different applications for several reasons including (1) allowing for sol-gel production equipment and processing steps to take place in a non-radiological environment (as opposed to performing sol-gel using a feed solution that contains the radioactive species and requires radiological operations), (2) decreasing the releasability of the radioactive species from the matrix material in the event of exposure to the environment, (3) providing a low-z matrix for beta radiation emission absorption, decreasing bremsstrahlung production, and (4) enabling the incorporation of heat-producing species into a more thermally conductive, yet refractory, matrix material than a pure metal oxide of that heat-producing isotope. Second, we propose to use a coating technology, such as electroless autocatalytic deposition of metals, to apply a coating around the outside layer of microspheres. This approach can be desirable in different applications for several reasons including (1) increasing the thermal conductivity of a packed assembly of heat-producing microspheres, lowering the thermal gradient, (2) improving the retention of the metal oxide microsphere material and any sorbed species, decreasing the releasability in the event of exposure to the environment, and (3) reducing the generation of dust from microspheres subjected to vibrations or impact that would otherwise cause the generation of small metal oxide fines.