pH-responsive interface conversion efficient oral drug delivery platform for alleviating inflammatory bowel disease

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Effective treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) requires oral drug delivery systems resistant to stomach acid and capable of targeted intestinal release.
• Current therapies face challenges in drug stability and targeted delivery to inflamed intestinal tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel oral composite nanoparticles (MSZ@PRHS) for targeted Mesalazine (MSZ) delivery to treat colitis.
• To evaluate the pH-responsive drug release profile and therapeutic efficacy of MSZ@PRHS in a DSS-induced colitis model.

Main Methods:

• Development of rough mesoporous silica (RHS) nanoparticles loaded with Mesalazine (MSZ) and coated with a CAP polymer membrane (MSZ@PRHS).
• In vitro assessment of MSZ release at different pH values simulating gastric, small intestinal, and colonic environments.
• In vivo evaluation of MSZ@PRHS efficacy in a dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced acute colitis mouse model.

Main Results:

• MSZ@PRHS exhibited low MSZ release rates at simulated stomach and small intestine pH, but high release rates at simulated colon pH.
• Oral administration of MSZ@PRHS significantly alleviated IBD symptoms and improved therapeutic outcomes compared to free MSZ in the DSS-induced colitis model.

Conclusions:

• The developed MSZ@PRHS nanoparticles demonstrate pH-responsive, targeted drug release in the colon.
• This nanocomposite platform offers a promising strategy for managing and treating intestinal diseases requiring controlled drug release and prolonged residence time.