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Updated: May 5, 2026
Retroductal Nanoparticle Injection to the Murine Submandibular Gland
Published on: May 3, 2018
ROS-responsive nanocarrier for oral delivery of monascin and enhanced alleviation of oxidative stress
Xueyi Chen1, Wenli Dai1, Wanqi Liang1
1Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; Shantou Key Laboratory of Marine Microbial Resources and Interactions with Environment, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China.
Abstract:
Oxidative stress, caused by excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of various diseases. Monascin can scavenge ROS and alleviate oxidative stress but with a low fermentation rate and bioavailability. Here, we optimized the fermentation process to increase the production of monascin (508.6 U/mL), and then systematically characterized its structure via HPLC, HPLC-MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. Additionally, we innovatively modified carboxymethylcellulose sodium with selenium (CMC-Se) to encapsulate monascin (monascin@CMC-Se), which can sensitively respond to ROS and release monascin to effectively scavenge excessive ROS. Besides, the monascin@CMC-Se can significantly increase the bioaccessibility of monascin and alleviate cellular oxidative stress by enhancing its cellular uptake rate. Collectively, our work provides proof-of-principle evidence that the CMC-Se can precise delivery of monascin to an oxidatively stressed environment with high resistance to gastric fluids, laying a foundation to overcome inflammation-related diseases in the colon.
Insights
This study enhanced monascin production and developed a novel selenium-modified carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Se) to deliver monascin, effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improving bioavailability for treating oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS) is implicated in numerous diseases.
- Monascin exhibits ROS scavenging properties but suffers from low production and bioavailability.
- Developing effective delivery systems for bioactive compounds is crucial for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize monascin fermentation and production.
- To develop a novel delivery system for monascin using selenium-modified carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC-Se).
- To evaluate the efficacy of monascin@CMC-Se in scavenging ROS and improving bioavailability.
Main Methods:
- Fermentation optimization to increase monascin yield.
- Structural characterization of monascin using HPLC, HPLC-MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR.
- Synthesis and characterization of monascin-loaded CMC-Se nanoparticles (monascin@CMC-Se).
- In vitro assessment of ROS scavenging, bioaccessibility, and cellular uptake.
Main Results:
- Monascin production was significantly increased to 508.6 U/mL.
- Monascin@CMC-Se demonstrated ROS-sensitive release of monascin.
- The novel formulation enhanced monascin's bioaccessibility and cellular uptake.
- Monascin@CMC-Se effectively alleviated cellular oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- Optimized monascin fermentation and structural characterization were achieved.
- CMC-Se provides a promising platform for the targeted delivery of monascin.
- Monascin@CMC-Se enhances monascin's therapeutic potential against oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases.
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