Bifunctional nanoparticles based on esterified hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin/quaternary ammonium chitosan for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Gastroenterology
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) therapy faces challenges due to the gastrointestinal environment's complexity.
• Oral nanoparticles (NPs) require adaptability for consistent and specific interventions in the gut.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop gastrointestinal microenvironment-adaptive NPs for integrated UC therapy.
• To utilize curcumin (Cur) for anti-inflammatory effects and anthocyanin (Cy) for microbiome modulation.
• To achieve dual therapeutic outcomes through self-assembled, bifunctional NPs.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized CA-modified HPCD (CACD) and SA-modified HPCD (SACD) via esterification.
• Self-assembled NPs using HTCC, Cur, and Cy with modified HPCD.
• Evaluated NP encapsulation efficiency (EE) and capacity (EC) across a pH range (2.0-7.0).
• Assessed therapeutic efficacy in vivo, analyzing cytokine levels, tissue damage, and gut microbiome composition.

Main Results:

• NPs exhibited high Cur EE and EC across pH 2.0-7.0, indicating significant gastrointestinal adaptability.
• In vivo studies demonstrated amelioration of colitis symptoms, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and attenuated tissue damage.
• Specific NP formulations modulated gut microbiota, enriching beneficial bacteria (Eubacterium siraeum_group, Prevotellaceae) or favoring Peptococcus, potentially enhancing immune regulation.

Conclusions:

• Bifunctional NPs offer a novel therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis.
• These NPs represent a promising approach for precision nutrition interventions.
• The developed NPs demonstrate effective anti-inflammatory and microbiome-modulating capabilities for integrated UC treatment.