Chitosan Oligosaccharide-Functionalized Ruthenium-Curcumin Nanodots for Targeted Therapy of Acute Kidney Injury

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanomedicine
• Renal Physiology

Background:

• Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe condition with high mortality, often caused by mitochondrial oxidative stress and cell apoptosis.
• Existing antioxidant treatments for AKI have limitations in bioavailability and kidney-specific targeting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel dual-targeting nanomedicine, LMWC/Ru-Cur, for improved treatment of AKI.
• To investigate the efficacy of LMWC/Ru-Cur in mitigating oxidative stress and apoptosis in renal tubular cells.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized ruthenium-curcumin coordination polymer nanodots coated with chitosan (LMWC/Ru-Cur).
• Characterized nanoparticle properties (size, stability, antioxidant capacity).
• Assessed in vitro cytocompatibility, cellular uptake, and protection against AKI-inducing agents in HK-2 cells.
• Evaluated in vivo efficacy and biodistribution in murine models of AKI.

Main Results:

• LMWC/Ru-Cur nanodots (~7.6 nm) showed high stability and potent radical scavenging.
• Nanoparticles were efficiently internalized by renal tubular cells, leading to enhanced renal accumulation.
• LMWC/Ru-Cur treatment attenuated oxidative stress, restored mitochondrial function, reduced apoptosis, and improved renal function in AKI models.
• Demonstrated favorable biocompatibility and biosafety in vivo.

Conclusions:

• LMWC/Ru-Cur nanodots offer a promising targeted nanotherapeutic strategy for AKI.
• The dual-targeting approach (glomerular filtration and receptor-mediated uptake) effectively reduces oxidative stress and preserves renal function.
• This study provides a rational design for metal-polyphenol nanomedicines for acute organ injury treatment.