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Sulfasalazine- and Cerium Ion-Loaded Polymersomes with Enhanced RONS Scavenging and Colonic Mucosal Repair Ameliorate
Miao Sun1, Runkai Lv1, Yongjie Sha1
1Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China.
Biomacromolecules
|June 20, 2026
Summary
Novel polymersomes loaded with sulfasalazine and cerium ions effectively treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These nanoparticles scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), reduce inflammation, and promote mucosal repair for IBD therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by oxidative stress, barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation.
- Current IBD treatments face challenges in efficacy and side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate sulfasalazine- and cerium ion-loaded polymersomes (SSZ/Ce-Some) for IBD treatment.
- To assess the RONS-scavenging and mucosal repair capabilities of SSZ/Ce-Some.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of SSZ/Ce-Some.
- In vitro assessment of antioxidant activities (SOD-like, CAT-like) and RONS neutralization.
- In vivo evaluation in acute colitis and chronic Crohn's disease models.
Main Results:
- SSZ/Ce-Some demonstrated potent superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like and catalase (CAT)-like activities.
- The polymersomes efficiently scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), inhibiting peroxynitrite formation.
- SSZ/Ce-Some suppressed inflammatory cell activation and cytokine secretion, alleviated colitis, preserved epithelial integrity, and effectively treated chronic Crohn's disease.
Conclusions:
- SSZ/Ce-Some exhibits superior RONS-detoxifying capacity.
- The developed nanomedicine promotes colonic mucosal repair and immune regulation.
- SSZ/Ce-Some represents a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory bowel disease.
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