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Constraint of Lignin-Carbohydrate Complex Orchestrated on Polyphenol in Oil-Water Interface Targeting Ulcerative
Qian Wu1, Xingyu Zhang1, Jingjia Zhang1
1National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|March 12, 2026
Summary
This study engineered a novel lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) emulsion for targeted polyphenol delivery to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). The system enhanced gut microbiota, accelerated healing, and offered a sustainable therapeutic approach.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) poses challenges for therapeutic delivery.
- Polyphenols show promise for UC but suffer from poor oral bioavailability.
- Existing emulsifiers often lack sustainability and targeted delivery capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a colon-targeted W1/O/W2 emulsion system for enhanced polyphenol delivery in UC.
- To utilize a novel lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) as a dual-functional, sustainable emulsifier.
- To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of this system in modulating gut microbiota and promoting mucosal healing.
Main Methods:
- Architected a W1/O/W2 emulsion using LCC as a dual-functional emulsifier.
- Engineered LCC via laccase-mediated grafting to tailor lipophilicity for interfacial stabilization.
- Encapsulated polyphenols within the emulsion for pH-responsive, colon-specific release.
- Evaluated the system's efficacy in a DSS-induced colitis mouse model.
Main Results:
- The LCC-based W1/O/W2 emulsion successfully stabilized polyphenols with varying polarity.
- The system demonstrated pH-responsive release in the colon (pH >7.0).
- In vivo studies showed synergistic effects: LCC acted as a prebiotic, enriching beneficial bacteria, while polyphenols reinforced the intestinal barrier, accelerating mucosal healing.
- Significant modulation of gut microbiota composition and enrichment of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria were observed.
Conclusions:
- Engineered LCC serves as a sustainable, dual-functional emulsifier for colon-targeted drug delivery.
- The developed emulsion system effectively delivers polyphenols, modulates gut microbiota, and promotes intestinal healing in colitis.
- This research presents a carbon-neutral therapeutic strategy for colitis, highlighting the potential of biomass-derived materials in advanced drug delivery and microbiome regulation.
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