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A γ-Ray-Responsive Dynamic Covalent Polymeric Radioprotectant for Efficient Radiation Injury Treatment
Yingyi Ning1, Xiaoxue Hou1, Chaoyi Lyu1
1State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Key Laboratory of Radiopharmacokinetics for Innovative Drugs, Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|August 11, 2026
Summary
A novel dynamic covalent polymer protects against radiation injury by releasing antioxidants like EGCG and curcumin in response to gamma rays. This system offers superior radioprotection and enhances survival by mitigating radiation damage.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Radiochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rising radiation exposure necessitates advanced radioprotective agents.
- Current strategies often lack targeted delivery and efficient systemic protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a gamma-ray-responsive dynamic covalent polymeric radioprotectant for efficient systemic protection against radiation injury.
- To engineer a system integrating phenylboronic acid (PBA)-functionalized polymeric micelles with epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and curcumin (Cur).
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PBA-functionalized polymeric micelles encapsulating EGCG and Cur.
- Utilizing reversible dynamic covalent linkages for stability and triggered release.
- In vitro evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, cell proliferation, and apoptosis inhibition.
- In vivo assessment of systemic protection and survival rates.
Main Results:
- The dynamic covalent system demonstrated superior ROS scavenging, enhanced cell proliferation, and reduced apoptosis compared to individual antioxidants.
- In vivo studies confirmed comprehensive systemic protection, mitigating radiation damage and improving survival.
- The polymer system showed robust circulation persistence and precise release in radiation-triggered environments.
Conclusions:
- The developed dynamic covalent polymeric radioprotectant provides efficient on-demand systemic protection against radiation injury.
- This modular and responsive design, utilizing EGCG and Cur, shows significant promise for clinical translation in radioprotection.
- The strategy offers a versatile framework for developing radioprotective agents targeting molecules with diol or catechol motifs.