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Biomimetic polymersomal nanoreactors for hepatocyte-directed detoxification in drug-induced liver injury

Wenxing Gu1,2, Ruxue Bai1,3, Jiaxin Wang1

  • 1Institute of Precision Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China.

Materials Today. Bio
|October 22, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Researchers developed antioxidant nanoreactors (CS@PS) to treat drug-induced liver injury (DILI). These nanoreactors effectively neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce liver inflammation, showing promise for DILI therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant clinical issue caused by drug toxicity, leading to hepatocyte damage via oxidative stress and inflammation.
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines worsen liver injury, requiring novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Natural antioxidant enzymes face limitations in clinical application due to poor stability and cellular uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate antioxidant polymersomal nanoreactors (CS@PS) for targeted co-delivery of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
  • To investigate the efficacy of CS@PS in neutralizing ROS and mitigating inflammation in hepatocytes for DILI treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Development of CS@PS nanoreactors for simultaneous delivery of CAT and SOD.
  • Assessment of CS@PS targeting, enzyme stability, and bioavailability in hepatocytes.
  • Evaluation of CS@PS in an acetaminophen-induced liver injury model to measure ROS levels and liver damage.

Main Results:

  • CS@PS demonstrated efficient ROS neutralization and inflammation mitigation through a cascade system.
  • Systemic administration of CS@PS achieved targeted delivery to hepatocytes, enhancing enzyme stability and bioavailability.
  • CS@PS treatment significantly reduced hepatic ROS levels and alleviated liver damage in an acetaminophen-induced DILI model.

Conclusions:

  • CS@PS represents a promising antioxidant nanoreactor for treating DILI by addressing ROS accumulation and inflammation.
  • This innovative nanoreactor technology holds potential for managing other diseases mediated by ROS.
Keywords:
Drug-induced liver injuryHepatocyte targetingNanoreactorPolymersomeReactive oxygen species

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