Obesity healthcare via carrageenan-calcium peroxide-generated photothermal micro-polypyrrole carriers

Obesity is a significant global health challenge, and many existing treatments aimed at reducing appetite or inhibiting fat absorption often have limited success and can cause undesirable side effects. There is a growing need for localized treatment strategies that minimize systemic toxicity while effectively targeting adipose tissue. This study explores the potential of photothermal therapy for obesity treatment using Carrageenan-Calcium Peroxide-generated micro-polypyrrole carriers (PPy-Lec@Car). We aim to assess the efficacy of these carriers in precisely regulating adipose tissue through Near-Infrared (NIR) irradiation, offering an innovative therapeutic platform with potential for non-invasive obesity management. Although injection was used in this preclinical model to ensure targeted delivery, the system is amenable to future non-invasive or minimally invasive clinical applications. In a preclinical study using a rodent model, PPy-Lec@Car microparticles effectively reduced adipocyte density and fat tissue volume without damaging surrounding healthy tissue, demonstrating a safe and localized treatment effect. A combination of in vitro and in vivo assays, supported by fluorescent imaging, confirmed the photothermal effects of these microparticles on fat cell viability. Mechanistic studies indicated the involvement of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) activation. Furthermore, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) proliferation assays revealed a significant reduction in adipocyte viability following PPy-Lec@Car-mediated NIR photothermal stimulation. This study underscores the potential of NIR-activated PPy-Lec@Car microparticles as a promising and localized strategy for safe obesity management.