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Engineering a Natural Ferritin Nanozyme-Probiotic Biosynthesis System for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Therapy
Shuhao Sun1, Aguo Cheng1, Long Ma1
1State Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
ACS Nano
|June 3, 2026
Summary
This study introduces OFn-EcN, a novel probiotic system that uses ferritin nanozymes to combat reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). OFn-EcN effectively treats IBD by neutralizing ROS and restoring gut health.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) incidence is rising, necessitating novel antioxidant therapies.
- Current antioxidant strategies face challenges with delivery and safety.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in IBD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel biosynthetic system for IBD treatment.
- To create a system that efficiently scavenges ROS in the gut.
- To improve upon existing antioxidant therapies for inflammatory bowel disease.
Main Methods:
- Engineered probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to express OmpA-Ferritin nanozymes (OFn-EcN).
- Biosynthesized ferritin nanozymes exhibit superoxide dismutase and catalase-like activities.
- Administered OFn-EcN orally in preclinical models of DSS-induced colitis.
Main Results:
- OFn-EcN effectively scavenges ROS in the gut via a cascade reaction.
- Oral OFn-EcN administration protected against DSS-induced colitis in preclinical models.
- The system demonstrated restoration of intestinal barrier integrity and microbial balance.
Conclusions:
- OFn-EcN is a promising novel biosynthetic system for IBD prevention and treatment.
- This approach offers enhanced ROS scavenging with improved biosafety.
- OFn-EcN represents an innovative strategy for managing inflammatory bowel disease.
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