Biomimetic lipidic nanovectors for effective asparaginase supramolecule delivery

M2 Macrophage Hybrid Membrane-Camouflaged Targeted Biomimetic Nanosomes to Reprogram Inflammatory Microenvironment for Enhanced Enzyme-Thermo-Immunotherapy

Excessive inflammatory reactions caused by uric acid deposition are the key factor leading to gout. However, clinical medications cannot simultaneously remove uric acid and eliminate inflammation. An M2 macrophage-erythrocyte hybrid membrane-camouflaged biomimetic nanosized liposome (USM[H]L) is engineered to deliver targeted self-cascading bienzymes and immunomodulators to reprogram the inflammatory microenvironment in gouty rats. The cell-membrane-coating endow nanosomes with good immune escape and lysosomal escape to achieve long circulation time and intracellular retention times. After being uptaken by inflammatory cells, synergistic enzyme-thermo-immunotherapies are achieved: uricase and nanozyme degraded uric acid and hydrogen peroxide, respectively; bienzymes improved the catalytic abilities of each other; nanozyme produced photothermal effects; and methotrexate has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. The uric acid levels markedly decrease, and ankle swelling and claw curling are effectively alleviated. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and ROS decrease, while the anti-inflammatory cytokine levels increase. Proinflammatory M1 macrophages are reprogrammed to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Notably, the IgG and IgM levels in USM[H]L-treated rats decrease substantially, while uricase-treated rats show high immunogenicity. Proteomic analysis show that there are 898 downregulated and 725 upregulated differentially expressed proteins in USM[H]L-treated rats. The protein-protein interaction network indicates that the signaling pathways include the spliceosome, ribosome, purine metabolism, etc.

Nanoscale Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Investigation of a Polyphenol-Based Plasmonic Nanovector

The demand for next-generation multifunctional nanovectors, combining therapeutic effects with specific cellular targeting, has significantly grown during the last few years, pursuing less invasive therapy strategies. Polyphenol-conjugated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) appear as potential multifunctional nanovectors, integrating the biorecognition capability and the antioxidant power of polyphenols, the antimicrobial activity of silver, and the drug delivery capability of NPs. We present a spectroscopic and microscopic investigation on polyphenol-synthesized AgNPs, selecting caffeic acid (CA) and catechol (CT) as model polyphenols and using them as reducing agents for the AgNP green synthesis, both in the presence and in the absence of a capping agent. We exploit the plasmonic properties of AgNPs to collect Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectra from the nanosized region next to the Ag surface and to characterize the molecular environment in the proximity of the NP, assessing the orientation and tunable deprotonation level of CA, depending on the synthesis conditions. Our results suggest that the SERS investigation of such nanovectors can provide crucial information for their perspective biomedical application.

Oral supramolecular nanovectors for dual natural medicine codelivery to prevent gastric mucosal lesion

The oral administration of a single formulation loaded with more than one natural medicine to treat chronic diseases has advantages such as convenience, effectiveness, and economy. Here, using biomaterials approved by the drug administration, we fabricated supramolecular nanovectors containing dual natural medicines to prevent gastric mucosal lesions. Nanovectors exhibited superior intestinal absorption and bioavailability, which might be due to their high dispersion, good muco-adhesiveness, blood-lymph circulation transport, lipid sensing, and protective effects. Molecular docking results clarified the possible mechanisms in aspects of efflux pump (p-glycoprotein and multidrug resistance protein 1) inhibition effects, metabolic enzyme (cytochrome P450 3A4/1A2) blocking effects, serum albumin deposit effects, and dual drug interaction effects. Nanovectors decreased ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions by lowering the gastric ulcer index, preventing oxidative damage, decreasing interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and malondialdehyde, increasing glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and prostaglandin E2 levels. The interactions of inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB or κB kinase-related proteins and dual drugs or nanovector components were simulated computationally to provide an understanding of the gastro-protective action mechanism. In all, industrializable supramolecular nanovectors could effectively co-deliver dual natural medicines via the oral route by improving the pharmacokinetic behavior and exerting protective efficacy of the gastric mucosa by decreasing the oxidative stress and inflammatory level.