EpCAM aptamer modified carbon@manganese dioxide nanoflower for synergistic drug-nanozyme allergic rhinitis treatment

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent upper respiratory allergic disorder that significantly impacts patients' quality of life.In this research, we developed a multifunctional nanozyme-drug synergistic therapy nanosystem for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). The nanosystem, called EpCAM aptamer modified carbon@manganese dioxide nanoflower (Apt-C@MnO₂ NFs), combines porous carbon nanospheres and MnO₂ nanozymes to achieve synergistic reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. EpCAM aptamer (Apt) is an epithelial cell adhesion molecule. The designed material was modified with EpCAM aptamers, endowing it with prominent targeting capability to epithelial cells. The modification with PEG facilitates the penetration of NFs through mucus more rapidly, and the Apt enables the NFs to specifically target human nasal epithelial cells (HNEPc). In addition, it can effectively load and sustainably release the anti-inflammatory drug budesonide (BUD). In vitro experiment demonstrated the system's ability to target HNEPc, deliver drugs, exhibit multi-enzyme activity, and regulate inflammatory factors. In vivo studies in mice showed that Apt-C@MnO₂ NFs could restore the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins, reduce inflammatory cell infiltration, regulate inflammatory pathways, and alleviate AR symptoms. The research provides a new approach for AR therapy, offering a multifunctional system with significant anti-inflammatory effects and imaging tracking capabilities. This innovative therapeutic strategy combines nanozyme technology with targeted drug delivery to achieve effective treatment of AR.