Biodegradable MoSe2-polyvinylpyrrolidone nanoparticles with multi-enzyme activity for ameliorating acute pancreatitis

Macrophage-mimicking nanotherapy for attenuation of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a highly fatal pancreatic inflammation. In recent years, synthetic nanoparticles have been extensively developed as drug carriers to address the challenges of systemic adverse reactions and lack of specificity in drug delivery. However, systemically administered nanoparticle therapy is rapidly cleared from circulation by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), leading to suboptimal drug concentrations in inflamed tissues and suboptimal pharmacokinetics. To address this challenge, we herein demonstrate a surface masking strategy that involves coating the surface of selenylated Poria cocos polysaccharide nanoparticles with a layer of macrophage plasma membrane to circumvent MPS sequestration, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of selenylated Poria cocos polysaccharide nanoparticles. Nanoparticles encapsulated with macrophage membranes can simulate the active homing efficacy of macrophages to inflamed lesions during AP, resulting in excessive infiltration of macrophages in pancreatic inflammation sites and prolonged tissue retention time. This technique converts non-adhesive lipid nanoparticles into bioadhesive nanoparticles, increasing local tissue accumulation under inflammatory conditions, including the pancreas and vulnerable lungs. The mechanism is related to targeting pro-inflammatory macrophages. In murine models of mild and severe AP, intravenous treatment with macrophage-mimicking nanoparticles effectively reduces systemic inflammation level and diminishes the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils. Mechanistic studies elucidate that macrophage membrane-biomimetic selenylated Poria cocos polysaccharide nanoparticles primarily mitigate pancreatic inflammation by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway to reverse autophagic flux impairment. This allows us to envision that the developed biomimetic nanotherapy approach could potentially serve as a novel strategy for pancreatic drug therapy.

The Application of Nanomaterials in the Treatment of Pancreatic-Related Diseases

Pancreatic diseases, typically including pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetes, pose enormous threats to people's lives and health. To date, therapeutics with high therapeutic efficacy and low side effects are still challenging. With the development of nanotechnology, nanomaterials have successfully been applied in pancretic disease treatment. Here, we first introduce the diversity of nanomaterials and the effects of their different physicochemical properties on pancreatic function. Following this, we analyze the potential of nanomaterials to enhance pancreatic targeting by overcoming the challenges of traditional delivery methods through surface modifications, structural adjustments, and optimized drug loading. Then, we introduce the application of structurally optimized nanomaterials to pancreatic-related diseases. For instance, on pancreatic cancer (as drug delivery platforms, for the promotion of radiation therapy, and as multifunctional tools), pancreatitis (as drug delivery systems, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agents), and diabetes (as insulin delivery carriers, for protecting pancreatic β cells, and for improving insulin resistance). Through analysis of the progress of current research, we summarize how nanomaterials can enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects. Finally, we look forward to the prospects of nanomaterials in pancreatic disease treatment.

Rearranging Spin Electrons by Axial-Ligand-Induced Orbital Splitting to Regulate Enzymatic Activity of Single-Atom Nanozyme with Destructive d-π Conjugation

Most of the nanozymes have been obtained based on trial and error, for which the application is usually compromised by enzymatic activity regulation due to a vague catalytic mechanism. Herein, a hollow axial Mo-Pt single-atom nanozyme (H-MoN5@PtN4/C) is constructed by a two-tier template capture strategy. The axial ligand can induce Mo 4d orbital splitting, leading to a rearrangement of spin electrons (↑ ↑ → ↑↓) to regulate enzymatic activity. This creates catalase-like activity and enhances oxidase-like activity to catalyze cascade enzymatic reactions (H2O2 → O2 → O2•-), which can overcome tumor hypoxia and accumulate cytotoxic superoxide radicals (O2•-). Significantly, H-MoN5@PtN4/C displays destructive d-π conjugation between the metal and substrate to attenuate the restriction of orbitals and electrons. This markedly improves enzymatic performance (catalase-like and oxidase-like activity) of a Mo single atom and peroxidase-like properties of a Pt single atom. Furthermore, the H-MoN5@PtN4/C can deplete overexpressed glutathione (GSH) through a redox reaction, which can avoid consumption of ROS (O2•- and •OH). As a result, H-MoN5@PtN4/C can overcome limitations of a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) for tumor-specific therapy based on TME-activated catalytic activity.

Chondroitin sulphate modified MoS2 nanoenzyme with multifunctional activities for treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Nano-MoS2 exhibit oxidoreductase-like activities, and has been shown to effectively eliminate excessive intracellular ROS and inhibit Aβ aggregation, thus demonstrating promising potential for anti-Alzheimer's disease (anti-AD) intervention. However, the low water dispersibility and high toxicity of nano-MoS2 limits its further application. In this study, we developed a chondroitin sulphate (CS)-modified MoS2 nanoenzyme (CS@MoS2) by harnessing the excellent biocompatibility of CS and the exceptional activities of nano-MoS2 to explore its potential in anti-AD research. Promisingly, CS@MoS2 significantly inhibited Aβ1-40 aggregation and prevented toxic injury in SH-SY5Y cells caused by Aβ1-40. In addition, CS@MoS2 protected these cells from oxidative stress damage by regulating ROS production, as well as promoting the activities of SOD and GSH-Px. CS@MoS2 also modulated the intracellular Ca2+ imbalance and downregulated Tau hyperphosphorylation by activating GSK-3β. CS@MoS2 suppressed p-NF-κB (p65) translocation to the nucleus by inhibiting MAPK phosphorylation, and modulated the expression of downstream anti- and proinflammatory cytokines. Owing to its multifunctional activities, CS@MoS2 effectively improved spatial learning, memory, and anxiety in D-gal/AlCl3-induced AD mice. Taken together, these results indicate that CS@MoS2 has significant potential for improving the therapeutic efficacy of the prevention and treatment of AD, while also presenting a novel framework for the application of nanoenzymes.

Potential Exploration of Biocompatible Carbon-Coated MoSe2 Nanoparticles for Exploration of the Photothermal Potential in the Treatment of Human Choriocarcinoma

Background

Molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2), as a nano near-infrared absorber, has been widely studied in the field of photothermal therapy of cancer. However, there is little research on its application in the treatment of human choriocarcinoma.

Methods and Results

In this paper, a new type of carbon-coated MoSe2 (MEC) nanoparticles was prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method. The chemical characterization including SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, FT-IR, TGA, Roman, and XPS showed that MEC was successfully synthesized. MEC exhibited a high photothermal conversion efficiency (50.97%) and extraordinary photothermal stability under laser irradiation. The cell experiment results showed that MEC had good biocompatibility on normal cells while significant photothermal effect on human choriocarcinoma (JEG-3) cells, achieving a good anticancer effect. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in JEG-3 cells was significantly increased under the combination of MEC nanoparticles and near-infrared radiation. MEC nanoparticles could induce apoptosis of JEG-3 cells in combination with near-infrared radiation. Finally, transcriptomic analysis verified that MEC combined with laser radiation could inhibit DNA replication and induce apoptosis, thus improving its therapeutic effect on human choriocarcinoma.

Conclusion

MEC nanoparticles exert an excellent photothermal effect and may become an important candidate drug for the treatment of human choriocarcinoma.

Microenvironment of pancreatic inflammation: calling for nanotechnology for diagnosis and treatment

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common and life-threatening digestive disorder. However, its diagnosis and treatment are still impeded by our limited understanding of its etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations, as well as by the available detection methods. Fortunately, the progress of microenvironment-targeted nanoplatforms has shown their remarkable potential to change the status quo. The pancreatic inflammatory microenvironment is typically characterized by low pH, abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enzymes, overproduction of inflammatory cells, and hypoxia, which exacerbate the pathological development of AP but also provide potential targeting sites for nanoagents to achieve early diagnosis and treatment. This review elaborates the various potential targets of the inflammatory microenvironment of AP and summarizes in detail the prospects for the development and application of functional nanomaterials for specific targets. Additionally, it presents the challenges and future trends to develop multifunctional targeted nanomaterials for the early diagnosis and effective treatment of AP, providing a valuable reference for future research.

Electron transfer-based antioxidant nanozymes: Emerging therapeutics for inflammatory diseases

Inflammatory diseases are usually featured with relatively high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The excess ROS facilitate the polarization of microphages into proinflammatory M1 phenotype, and cause DNA damage, protein carbonylation, and lipid peroxidation, resulting in further deterioration of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, alleviating oxidative stress by ROS scavenging has been an effective strategy for reversing inflammation. Inspired by the natural antioxidant enzymes, electron transfer-based artificial antioxidant nanozymes have been emerging therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The present review starts with the basic knowledge of ROS and diseases, followed by summarizing the possible active centers for the preparation of antioxidant nanozymes. The strategies for the design of antioxidant nanozymes on the purpose of higher catalytic activity are provided, and the applications of the developed antioxidant nanozymes on the therapy of inflammatory diseases are discussed. A perspective is included for the design and applications of artificial antioxidant nanozymes in biomedicine as well.

Injectable carboxymethyl chitosan-based hydrogel for simultaneous anti-tumor recurrence and anti-bacterial applications

The postoperative recurrence has adversely affected the treatment of tumors. Besides, the potential bacterial infection at the wound site may lead to a series of tissue necrosis. Here, we developed an injectable γ-polyglutamic acid/carboxymethyl chitosan/polydopamine hydrogel (PCP) for simultaneously reducing the postoperative infection and preventing the tumor recurrence. On the one hand, the aqueous solution of carboxymethyl chitosan oxidized the dopamine into polydopamine; on the other, the carboxymethyl chitosan was cross-linked with the activated γ-polyglutamic acid to form a hydrogel. After local implantation, the PCP hydrogel effectively killed tumor cells and bacteria under 808 nm laser irradiation. In addition, carboxymethyl chitosan rendered the hydrogel with anti-bacterial properties as well as anti-tumor efficiencies. The anti-tumor recurrence and anti-bacterial efficiencies of PCP hydrogel were proved on a tumor-removed mouse model and a Staphylococcus aureus-infected mouse model, respectively. Moreover, the hydrogel has the advantages of good biocompatibility and simple preparation, and thus has potential application prospects in the prevention of tumor recurrence and wound bacterial infection.

A triple-network carboxymethyl chitosan-based hydrogel for hemostasis of incompressible bleeding on wet wound surfaces

Hydrogel is a kind of hemostatic agent with good application prospect. However, the water molecules on the wound made the hydrogel less adhesive to wet wound tissue. Herein, the carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)/oxidized dextran (OD)/γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) hydrogel was prepared using a double-barreled syringe for hemostasis of diffuse and incompressible wound bleeding. The hydrogel formation was based on the intramolecular lactam bonds, intermolecular amide bonds, and Schiff base bonds. In the hydrogel, the super hydrophilic γ-PGA could drain the surface moisture of the wound and create a local dry environment for enhanced surface adhesion. In vivo study showed that the CMCS/ODex/γ-PGA hydrogel possesses a good biosafety and biodegradability. Interestingly, the CMCS/ODex/γ-PGA hydrogel exhibited excellent hemostatic abilities in dynamic humid environment and resisted a high blood pressure of 238 mmHg, which exceeds the threshold systolic blood pressure of healthy adults (i.e., 120 mmHg). Together with the antibacterial and reactive nitrogen species scavenging activities, this study is expected to provide a new method to design the wet-surface adhesives for the efficient hemostatic application.

Cuprous oxide-demethyleneberberine nanospheres for single near-infrared light-triggered photoresponsive-enhanced enzymatic synergistic antibacterial therapy

In this work, novel cuprous oxide-demethyleneberberine (Cu₂O-DMB) nanomaterials are successfully synthesized for photoresponsive-enhanced enzymatic synergistic antibacterial therapy under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation (808 nm). Cu₂O-DMB has a spherical morphology with a smaller nanosize and positive ζ potential, can trap bacteria through electrostatic interactions resulting in a targeting function. Cu₂O-DMB nanospheres show both oxidase-like and peroxidase-like activities, and serve as a self-cascade platform, which can deplete high concentrations of GSH to produce O₂˙^- and H₂O₂, then H₂O₂ is transformed into ˙OH, without introducing exogenous H₂O₂. At the same time, Cu₂O-DMB nanospheres become photoresponsive, producing ¹O₂ and having an efficient photothermal conversion effect upon NIR irradiation. The proposed mechanism is that the generated ROS (O₂˙^-, ˙OH and ¹O₂) and hyperthermia can have synergetic effects for killing bacteria. Moreover, hyperthermia is not only beneficial for destroying bacteria, but also effectively enhances the efficiency of ˙OH production and accelerates GSH oxidation. Upon NIR irradiation, Cu₂O-DMB nanospheres exhibit excellent antibacterial ability against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli (AREC) with low cytotoxicity and bare bacterial resistance, destroy the bacterial membrane causing an efflux of proteins and disrupt the bacterial biofilm formation. Animal experiments show that the Cu₂O-DMB + NIR group can efficiently treat MRSA infection and promote wound healing. These results suggest that Cu₂O-DMB nanospheres are effective materials for combating bacterial infections highly efficiently and to aid the development of photoresponsive enzymatic synergistic antibacterial therapy.

A conductive gelatin methacrylamide hydrogel for synergistic therapy of osteosarcoma and potential bone regeneration

In this study, a methacrylic gelatin/oxidized dextran/montmorillonite‑strontium/polypyrrole (GOMP) hydrogel was prepared. The GOMP hydrogel had dual network structure which was formed through photoinitiator-initiated double bond polymerization and Schiff base reaction. The network structure led to a sustained release of the antitumor drug, doxorubicin (DOX). Polypyrrole introduced the conductivity and high photothermal conversion capacity to the GOMP hydrogel, which showed a photothermal conversion efficiency of 31.61 % under 808 nm laser radiation. The GOMP hydrogel had good swelling properties in solvents. Further study showed that the GOMP hydrogel had good biocompatibility and excellent biodegradability in vitro and in vivo. The experiments of in vitro tumor therapy and in vivo anti-tumor recurrence indicated that the DOX-loaded GOMP hydrogel had synergistic effects on tumor cell apoptosis based on chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. In addition, montmorillonite‑strontium (MMT-Sr) doped in the hydrogel not only improved the mechanical properties of the hydrogel but also promoted potential bone regeneration. The multifunctional DOX-loaded GOMP hydrogel with bone regeneration, photothermal therapy, and chemotherapy functions has great potential application for treating osteosarcoma.

Glutathione peroxidase-like nanozymes: mechanism, classification, and bioapplication

The field of nanozymes is developing rapidly. In particular, glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like nanozymes, which catalytically reduce H₂O₂/organic hydroperoxides to H₂O/alcohols, have attracted considerable attention. GPx-like nanozymes are powerful antioxidant enzymes known to combat oxidative stress. They have broad applications, including cytoprotection, anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, tumor therapy, and anti-aging. Although much progress has been made, GPx-like nanozymes have not been well discussed or fully reviewed as other nanozymes. This review aims to summarize recent advances on GPx-like nanozymes from the vantage point of mechanism, classification, and bioapplication. Future prospects for advancing their design and application are also discussed.

Multifunctional hydrogels based on chitosan, hyaluronic acid and other biological macromolecules for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: A review

Hydrogel is a three-dimensional network polymer material rich in water. It is widely used in the biomedical field because of its unique physical and chemical properties and good biocompatibility. In recent years, the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has gradually increased, and the disadvantages caused by traditional drug treatment of IBD have emerged. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatments to alleviate IBD. Hydrogel has become a potential therapeutic platform. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review of functional hydrogels for IBD treatment. This paper first summarizes the pathological changes in IBD sites. Then, the action mechanisms of hydrogels prepared from chitosan, sodium alginate, hyaluronic acid, functionalized polyethylene glycol, cellulose, pectin, and γ-polyglutamic acid on IBD were described from aspects of drug delivery, peptide and protein delivery, biologic therapies, loading probiotics, etc. In addition, the advanced functions of IBD treatment hydrogels were summarized, with emphasis on adhesion, synergistic therapy, pH sensitivity, particle size, and temperature sensitivity. Finally, the future development direction of IBD treatment hydrogels has been prospected.

Sodium alginate hydrogel containing platelet-rich plasma for wound healing

Recently, the healing of chronic wounds such as extensive burns has become a serious and intractable clinical problem. Avoiding wound infection and retaining an appropriate level of moisture around wounds are significant challenges in wound care. Herein, a dual-network hydrogel composed of sodium alginate (SA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was designed to facilitate the wound healing. The preparation of hydrogel was achieved through a simple one-step thrombin activation process. The morphological characterization results revealed the three-dimensional network structure of the hydrogel. Then, certain levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) cultured hydrogel, which led to the possibility of cell proliferation and vascular regeneration. When topically applied to the wound skin of rats, the hydrogel presented high wound closure effectiveness. In conclusion, this strategy provides a simple and feasible approach to overcoming the shortcomings of conventional wound dressings.

Advanced bioactive nanomaterials for diagnosis and treatment of major chronic diseases

With the rapid innovation of nanoscience and technology, nanomaterials have also been deeply applied in the medical and health industry and become one of the innovative methods to treat many diseases. In recent years, bioactive nanomaterials have attracted extensive attention and have made some progress in the treatment of some major chronic diseases, such as nervous system diseases and various malignant tumors. Bioactive nanomaterials depend on their physical and chemical properties (crystal structure, surface charge, surface functional groups, morphology, and size, etc.) and direct produce biological activity and play to the role of the treatment of diseases, compared with the traditional nanometer pharmaceutical preparations, biological active nano materials don't exert effects through drug release, way more directly, also is expected to be more effective for the treatment of diseases. However, further studies are needed in the evaluation of biological effects, fate in vivo, structure-activity relationship and clinical transformation of bionanomaterials. Based on the latest research reports, this paper reviews the application of bioactive nanomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of major chronic diseases and analyzes the technical challenges and key scientific issues faced by bioactive nanomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, to provide suggestions for the future development of this field.

Application of Polymer Hydrogels in the Prevention of Postoperative Adhesion: A Review

Postoperative adhesion is a common post-surgery complication formed between the surface of the body cavity, ranging from a layer of connective tissue to a fibrous bridge containing blood vessels and nerve tissue. Despite achieving a lot of progress, the mechanisms of adhesion formation still need to be further studied. In addition, few current treatments are consistently effective in the prevention of postoperative adhesion. Hydrogel is a kind of water-expanding crosslinked hydrophilic polymer network generated by a simple reaction of one or more monomers. Due to the porous structure, hydrogels can load different drugs and control the drug release kinetics. Evidence from existing studies has confirmed the feasibility and superiority of using hydrogels to counter postoperative adhesions, primarily due to their outstanding antifouling ability. In this review, the current research status of hydrogels as anti-adhesion barriers is summarized, the character of hydrogels in the prevention of postoperative adhesion is briefly introduced, and future research directions are discussed.

Injectable wound dressing based on carboxymethyl chitosan triple-network hydrogel for effective wound antibacterial and hemostasis

Currently, hydrogels are widely studied for wound dressings. However, wound healing is often hindered by bacterial infection. In this study, in situ cross-linked carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)/oxidized dextran (OD)/poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) (COP) hydrogel was prepared for antimicrobial and hemostasis of diffuse wounds. In the COP hydrogel, γ-PGA was able to drain the surface moisture of the wound to enhance the surface adhesion. Moreover, γ-PGA could concentrate blood by absorbing plasma, and CMCS could electrostatically adsorb negative RBCs. The antibacterial properties of CMCS and OD endowed the COP hydrogel with certain antibacterial effects. In the inhibition zone experiment, an obvious inhibition zone appeared around the COP hydrogel. In vivo studies showed that the COP hydrogel significantly inhibited bacterial growth and promoted wound healing. In the rat tail diffuse hemorrhage wound model, the COP hydrogel showed superior hemostasis ability. Therefore, the multifunctional COP hydrogel is expected to find different applications in wound hemostasis and healing.

A molybdenum-based nanoplatform with multienzyme mimicking capacities for oxidative stress-induced acute liver injury treatment

PEGylated MoS2nanosheets were synthesized and modified with bovine serum albumin. These nanosheets exhibited a hepatoprotective effect, which reduces the number of apoptotic and necrotic tissues and inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory factors in disease models.

Advances in Hemostatic Hydrogels That Can Adhere to Wet Surfaces

Currently, uncontrolled bleeding remains a serious problem in emergency, surgical and battlefield environments. Despite the specific properties of available hemostatic agents, sealants, and adhesives, effective hemostasis under wet and dynamic conditions remains a challenge. In recent years, polymeric hydrogels with excellent hemostatic properties have received much attention because of their adjustable mechanical properties, high porosity, and biocompatibility. In this review, to investigate the role of hydrogels in hemostasis, the mechanisms of hydrogel hemostasis and adhesion are firstly elucidated, the adhesion design strategies of hemostatic hydrogels in wet environments are briefly introduced, and then, based on a comprehensive literature review, the studies and in vivo applications of wet-adhesive hemostatic hydrogels in different environments are summarized, and the improvement directions of such hydrogels in future studies are proposed.

Nanozymes for Regenerative Medicine

Nanozymes refer to nanomaterials that catalyze enzyme substrates into products under relevant physiological conditions following enzyme kinetics. Compared to natural enzymes, nanozymes possess the characteristics of higher stability, easier preparation, and lower cost. Importantly, nanozymes possess the magnetic, fluorescent, and electrical properties of nanomaterials, making them promising replacements for natural enzymes in industrial, biological, and medical fields. On account of the rapid development of nanozymes recently, their application potentials in regeneration medicine are gradually being explored. To highlight the achievements in the regeneration medicine field, this review summarizes the catalytic mechanism of four types of representative nanozymes. Then, the strategies to improve the biocompatibility of nanozymes are discussed. Importantly, this review covers the recent advances in nanozymes in tissue regeneration medicine including wound healing, nerve defect repair, bone regeneration, and cardiovascular disease treatment. In addition, challenges and prospects of nanozyme researches in regeneration medicine are summarized.

Research Progress of Antioxidant Nanomaterials for Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a complex inflammatory disease caused by multiple etiologies, the pathogenesis of which has not been fully elucidated. Oxidative stress is important for the regulation of inflammation-related signaling pathways, the recruitment of inflammatory cells, the release of inflammatory factors, and other processes, and plays a key role in the occurrence and development of AP. In recent years, antioxidant therapy that suppresses oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species has become a research highlight of AP. However, traditional antioxidant drugs have problems such as poor drug stability and low delivery efficiency, which limit their clinical translation and applications. Nanomaterials bring a brand-new opportunity for the antioxidant treatment of AP. This review focuses on the multiple advantages of nanomaterials, including small size, good stability, high permeability, and long retention effect, which can be used not only as effective carriers of traditional antioxidant drugs but also directly as antioxidants. In this review, after first discussing the association between oxidative stress and AP, we focused on summarizing the literature related to antioxidant nanomaterials for the treatment of AP and highlighting the effects of these nanomaterials on the indicators related to oxidative stress in pathological states, aiming to provide references for follow-up research and promote clinical application.

A Mini-Review of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Nano-Tools for Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory reaction of pancreatic tissue digestion, edema, bleeding and even necrosis caused by activation of pancreatin due to various causes. In particular, patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) often suffer from secondary infection, peritonitis and shock, and have a high mortality rate. Chronic pancreatitis (CP) can cause permanent damage to the pancreas. Due to the innate characteristics, structure and location of the pancreas, there is no effective treatment, only relief of symptoms. Especially, AP is an unpredictable and potentially fatal disease, and the timely diagnosis and treatment remains a major challenge. With the rapid development of nanomedicine technology, many potential tools can be used to address this problem. In this review, we have introduced the pathophysiological processes of pancreatitis to understanding its etiology and severity. Most importantly, the current progress in the diagnosis and treatment tools of pancreatitis based on nanomedicine is summarized and prospected.

Mo3Se4 nanoparticle with ROS scavenging and multi-enzyme activity for the treatment of DSS-induced colitis in mice

Ulcerative colitis (UC), as a most common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), has become a global public health concern. Exploring novel method of treating UC is urgent and necessary. Recently, nanozyme with excellent antioxidant properties may be one useful therapeutic strategy. In this study, a two-dimensional transition metal chalcogenide (TMCs) nano flake and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified Mo₃Se₄ nano flakes (PMNFs) was synthesized, which had multi-enzyme activity, including peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). The inhibition effect of PMNFs on sodium dextran sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis was explored. UC was effectively inhibited by PMNFs in this work. PMNFs significantly reduced disease activity index (DAI) score, including weight loss, colon shorten and histopathological abnormalities. The possible mechanism of PMNFs-attenuated colitis was investigated. The results showed that PMNFs reversed DSS-induced oxidative damage, and the antioxidant pathway Nrf2-keap1 signal was activated by PMNFs. Moreover, PMNFs suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory factors including IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-β and IL-6 via the inactivation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway in DSS-induced colitis and LPS-treated macrophage. Furthermore, PMNFs treatment prevented the reduction of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1) and mucin-2 (MUC-2) as well as the up-regulation of epithelial apoptosis caused by DSS. These findings demonstrate that the PMNFs against DSS-induced colitis due to its prevention on oxidative damage, inflammation, and intestine barrier breakdown. Thus, PMNFs have a potential application in the treatment of various oxidative stress or inflammation-related diseases.

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Mo₃Se₄ nano flakes (PMNFs) can effective scavenge ROS in vivo and in vitro.

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PMNFs have multi-enzyme activity, including the peroxidase, GPx, SOD, and CAT.

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PMNFs can prevent symptoms of colitis induced by DSS in mice.

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PMNFs against DSS-induced colitis through prevention on oxidative damage, inflammation, and intestine barrier breakdown.

New Materials Based on Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Containing Copolymers with Ferromagnetic Fillers

The article investigates the peculiarities of the effect of ferromagnetic fillers (FMFs) of various natures (Ni, Co, Fe, FeCo, SmCo₅) on the formation of the structure and properties of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) copolymers. The composites were characterized using FTIR-spectroscopy, SEM, DMTA, magnetometry of vibrating samples, specific electrical resistivity studies, and mechanical and thermophysical studies. The formation of a grafted spatially crosslinked copolymer (pHEMA-gr-PVP) was confirmed and it was established that the FMF introduction of only 10 wt.% into the copolymer formulation increased the degree of crosslinking of the polymer network by three times. The surface hardness of composites increased by 20–25%. However, the water content decreased by 16–18% and lay within 42–43 wt.%, which is a relatively high number. The heat resistance of dry composites was characterized by Vicat softening temperature, which was 39–42 °C higher compared to the unfilled material. It was established that the obtained composites were characterized by a coercive force of 200 kA × m⁻¹ and induction of a magnetic field at the poles of 4–5 mT and 10–15 mT, respectively. The introduction of FMF particles into pHEMA-gr-PVP copolymers, which, in the dry state, are dielectrics, provides them with electrical conductivity, which was evaluated by the specific volume resistance. Depending on the FMF nature and content, as well as their orientation in the magnetic field, the resistance of filled materials could be regulated within 10²–10⁶ Ohm·m. Therefore, the modification of HEMA with PVP copolymers by ferromagnetic fillers of various natures provides the possibility of obtaining materials with unique predicted properties and expands the fields of their use, for instance as magnetic sorbents for various applications, as well as the possibilities associated with their being electrically conductive materials that can respond by changing of electrical conductivity, depending on various factors.

Tungsten disulfide nanoflowers with multi-nanoenzyme activities for the treatment of acute liver injury

In this study, polyvinyl pyrrolidone modified tungsten disulfide (WS₂-PVP) nanoflower was synthesized using a simple and effective one-pot method. Owing to the surface polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) modification, WS₂-PVP nanoflowers showed excellent colloidal stability in different circumstances, which can be well dispersed in water, saline, and cell culture medium. Meanwhile, the WS₂-PVP nanoflowers have a good biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo. Further studies confirmed that the WS₂-PVP nanoflowers have the ability of simulating catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, WS₂-PVP nanoflowers were used to treat reactive oxygen species-related diseases, which showed the cell protection effect and significantly improved the treatment results of acute liver injury on mice. We hope that our findings will facilitate the development of nanomaterials with multiple enzymatic mimicking properties and further clinical application of tungsten-based ROS scavengers in biomedical therapy and research.