Functional Polyphenol-Based Nanoparticles Boosted the Neuroprotective Effect of Riluzole for Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Materials Science

Background:

• Riluzole is a neuroprotective agent for spinal cord injury (SCI), but faces limitations due to poor solubility and toxicity.
• Existing treatments struggle to adequately address inflammation and oxidative stress post-SCI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel nanoparticles (NPs) combining epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and riluzole to improve neuroprotection for SCI.
• To evaluate the efficacy of these NPs in mitigating inflammation, oxidative stress, and ion channel dysfunction in an *in vivo* SCI model.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of riluzole-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) nanoparticles (NPs).
• Assessment of NP biocompatibility, antioxidant properties, and macrophage polarization (M1 to M2).
• Establishment of an *in vivo* SCI model to evaluate NP aggregation, neuroprotection, and molecular mechanisms via RNA sequencing and biochemistry.

Main Results:

• The developed NPs exhibited good biocompatibility and potent antioxidant capabilities.
• NPs effectively regulated macrophage polarization and aggregated at the SCI site *in vivo*.
• Significant neuroprotective effects were observed, demonstrated by the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and ion channels.

Conclusions:

• Riluzole-EGCG NPs offer enhanced neuroprotection for SCI by addressing key pathological factors.
• This approach provides a promising strategy for designing multifunctional NPs for neurodegenerative and inflammation-related diseases.
• The study highlights the potential of integrating natural polyphenols with small-molecule drugs for therapeutic innovation.