A macrophage-mimetic nanocarrier co-loaded with geraniol and FK13-a1 for MRSA-induced acute lung injury

Current clinical strategies for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) predominantly focus on single-approach interventions such as anti-inflammatory therapy. However, due to the complex, multi-pathway pathological network underlying the disease, targeting a single pathway often yields suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop innovative drug delivery systems capable of systematically addressing this intricate pathological process. Geraniol, a naturally derived monoterpene alcohol, exhibits multiple pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and organ-protective effects, while the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) FK13-a1 demonstrates broad-spectrum antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory functions. Recognizing their complementary mechanisms of action, we innovatively propose a synergistic therapeutic strategy combining geraniol with FK13-a1. To enhance targeting precision, we engineered a biomimetic delivery system by coating nanomaterials with macrophage membranes via tyramine linkage, enabling specific homing to pulmonary inflammatory sites. Guided by this design concept, we successfully fabricated the biomimetic nanodrug Tyr-MM@PLGA/G+F and conducted systematic characterization using multiple analytical techniques. Through established in vitro and in vivo infection models, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of this nanosystem. Results demonstrated that Tyr-MM@PLGA/G+F actively targets ALI lesion sites, achieving precise co-delivery and synergistic action of geraniol and FK13-a1 at the pathological foci, thereby significantly enhancing treatment outcomes. This study not only validates the remarkable efficacy of this composite nanosystem against ALI but also provides novel insights and experimental evidence for targeted therapy of this condition.