https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8486-9007
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Abstract
Introduction
Enhancing the efficacy of berberine (BBR) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) through the development of dopamine-coated berberine nanoparticles (PDA@BBR NPs) with ROS-responsive and adhesive properties.
Methods
Berberine nanoparticles (BBR NPs) were synthesized using the nonsolvent precipitation method, and their surfaces were coated with polydopamine (PDA) through oxidative polymerization. The PDA@BBR NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), size analysis, and zeta potential analysis. Drug loading and encapsulation efficiency were analyzed using fluorescence spectroscopy. The responsiveness of these nanoparticles to reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed in vitro, while their adhesive properties and therapeutic efficacy on UC were evaluated in vivo.
Results
Physicochemical property studies showed that PDA coated BBR NPs nanoparticles have good dispersion and stability. In vitro results showed that PDA@BBR NPs could prolong the retention time of the drug at the colonic site and could realize the gradual drug release under ROS environment. In addition, animal studies showed that PDA@BBR NPs exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects on DSS-induced colitis and effectively reduced intestinal mucosal damage.
Conclusion
PDA@BBR NPs are ROS-responsive nanoparticles that adhere well and have a high drug loading capacity. They have shown therapeutic effects in mice with UC, indicating that this formulation may be a promising treatment option.
Graphical Abstract
Acknowledgment
We acknowledge the support of experiment center for science and technology at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine for technical support and Jiangsu key laboratory of Chinese Medicine Processing for experimental support.
Disclosure
Ms Chenqi Chang reports a patent “An antimicrobial drug carrier with ROS response and adhesion and its preparation method” pending to Rui Chen, Chenqi Chang, Yue Liu, Zhipeng Chen. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.