An entropy-driven, selective copper-sequestering coordination framework for gut-restricted intervention of Wilson's
Tianzhi Liu1, Yao Xiao1, Xiaolin Cui1
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
Materials Today. Bio
|May 6, 2026
Summary
A novel Prussian blue analogue (PBA), ZF3, selectively sequesters excess copper in the gut. This gut-restricted strategy effectively reduces copper burden and outperforms existing treatments for Wilson
Area of Science:
- Coordination Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Aberrant copper accumulation causes pathologies like Wilson's Disease.
- Current copper-lowering agents have limitations including poor selectivity and slow action.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a gut-restricted copper sequestration strategy using Prussian blue analogues (PBAs).
- To identify a specific PBA with high selectivity and efficacy for copper removal.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and screening of 28 zinc-based PBAs.
- Identification of a trigonal, water-deficient Zn3[Fe(CN)6]2 framework (ZF3).
- In vivo studies in copper-overload rats and ATP7B-deficient mice.
Main Results:
- ZF3 demonstrates selective zinc-copper exchange, unaffected by other ions.
- Oral ZF3 is non-absorbed, promoting fecal copper excretion without disrupting ion homeostasis.
- ZF3 outperforms triethylenetetramine and zinc acetate in reducing copper burden and improving therapeutic response.
Conclusions:
- ZF3 offers a promising gut-restricted strategy for managing copper overload disorders.
- PBAs represent a viable platform for precise in vivo ion medicine.
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