Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
06:34
Validation of Therapeutic Agent Conjugation to Polyvinyl Alcohol-Coated Medical Devices
Published on: November 29, 2024
741
Butyrate-Conjugated Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanoparticles in an Inulin Hydrogel for Colon-Targeted Drug Delivery in
Lu Han1, Qingqing Pan2, Mengting Chen3
1National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|April 30, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a new colon-targeted drug delivery system using safe materials for ulcerative colitis (UC). The system effectively delivers ursolic acid (UA) to the colon, reducing inflammation and improving gut health.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Gastroenterology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) requires effective oral drug delivery systems targeting the colon.
- Developing biocompatible and colon-specific treatments is crucial for managing chronic UC.
- Existing therapies face challenges in targeted delivery and systemic side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a composite nanoparticle-hydrogel system for colon-specific delivery of ursolic acid (UA).
- To evaluate the anti-inflammatory efficacy and biocompatibility of the UA@PB/Gel system for UC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanoparticles conjugated with butyrate to encapsulate UA.
- Encapsulation of UA-loaded nanoparticles within an inulin hydrogel matrix.
- In vitro and in vivo assessment of colon-targeting, drug release, anti-inflammatory activity, and biocompatibility using a colitis mouse model.
Main Results:
- The UA@PB/Gel system demonstrated efficient colon-specific delivery and prolonged retention of UA.
- The composite system showed potent in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects, alleviating colitis in mice.
- Treatment effectively reduced colonic inflammation, restored epithelial barrier integrity, and modulated gut microbiota, with minimal toxicity.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanoparticle-hydrogel composite, utilizing Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) materials, offers a promising platform for UC therapy.
- This system enables targeted delivery of UA and butyrate to the colon, enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
- The UA@PB/Gel system presents a safe and effective strategy for managing ulcerative colitis with potential for clinical translation.
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