As the most prevalent subtype of colorectal cancer, microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC) is resistant to T cell-focused immune checkpoint blockade due to its low mutational burden and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Despite reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages toward a tumoricidal M1-like state being a promising alternative, its efficacy is limited by paradoxical upregulation of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on M1-like macrophages and their inherently poor antigen cross-presentation capacity. Here, we report that poly-metformin (PMet) can mimic the intracellular domain of PD-L1, competitively inhibit the membrane anchoring of PD-L1, and thereby effectively downregulate cell-surface PD-L1. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of PMet in immunosuppressive MSS CRC, we further developed an oral probiotic outer membrane vesicle (OMV) gene delivery system, siYthdf2/PMet@Akk-OMV, and demonstrated its ability to reduce PD-L1 levels on both macrophages and tumor cells while synergistically enhancing macrophage cross-presentation of tumor antigens, leading to potent activation of specific antitumor immunity and significant tumor growth inhibition. This work thus provides both theoretical and experimental foundations for treating cancers resistant to traditional immune checkpoint blockade therapy.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the primary source of collagen I, which contributes to the formation of a dense tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). Non-selective targeting of collagen I through CAF inhibition may inadvertently promote tumor cell detachment and metastasis by triggering anoikis resistance. To address this, a "wandering tumor cells" strategy is proposed, combining the induction of tumor cell deadhesion with the reversal of anoikis resistance. For heterologous targeted drug delivery, thermosensitive lipids and a photosensitizer are incorporated into M1-type macrophage membranes (TMs) to enable laser-responsive activation. Based on this approach, we designed a photothermally triggered, functional macrophage membrane-camouflaged nano-cracker (TM@cP/siF-ErN) with a particle size of 162.20 ± 0.54 nm for the co-delivery of erianin (Er) and focal adhesion kinase small interfering RNA (siFAK). Er is encapsulated in anisamide (AA)-modified nanodiscs (ErN) with hydrodynamic diameter of 15.07 ± 7.24 nm to selectively inhibit collagen I synthesis in CAFs by targeting pyruvate carboxylase, thereby inducing tumor cell deadhesion. siFAK is delivered to tumor cells using cinnamaldehyde-modified polyethyleneimine (cP/siF) to formed complexes with a particle size of 98.57 ± 1.47 nm and enhance transfection efficiency, enabling effective FAK knockdown and reversal of tumor anoikis resistance. Furthermore, TMs are fragmented into debris to amplify M2-type macrophage repolarization. Experimental results show that the nano-cracker efficiently targets orthotopic 4T1 breast tumors and, upon laser-triggered detonation, releases ErN, cP/siF and M1-type macrophage membrane fragments, which collectively promote tumor anoikis by suppressing collagen I synthesis in CAFs and reversing tumor cell anoikis resistance. Moreover, it promotes the repolarization of M2-type macrophages, which synergizes with collagen I downregulation-induced infiltration of CD8⁺ T lymphocytes to enhance the antitumor immune response, collectively resulting in pronounced breast cancer suppression. This nano-cracker implements the "wandering tumor cells" strategy, offering a promising approach for improving tumor therapy and enabling heterologous targeted delivery.

Traditional anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs often fail to address all aspects of acne vulgaris and are prone to causing adverse effects such as skin irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions. Consequently, there is a growing preference for the exploration of natural and safer therapeutic agents from plant sources. In this study, we developed a coassembled CU-GA hydrogel formed by cross-linking small active molecules─glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and a cryptotanshinone-peptide conjugate (CTS-G-GLU, CU). The CU-GA hydrogel exhibits a distinct nanofibrous structure under a microscopic view. Material characterization and molecular dynamics simulations explain that its assembly mechanism may be related to a series of noncovalent interactions. Preliminary acne treatment tests show that the hydrogel has high skin permeability, biocompatibility, and effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This efficient formulation, free of external gelling agents, is particularly suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin and will revolutionize the development of emerging acne treatment hydrogels.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical medical condition with limited treatment options and frequently progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study introduces a novel nanotherapeutic approach based on positively charged cerium-doped polypyrrole nanoparticles [(+)CePPy] for AKI treatment. The positive surface charge of these nanoparticles enhances their cellular uptake and mitochondrial targeting in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs), which play a central role in the pathophysiology of AKI. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluations demonstrate that (+)CePPy effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction, attenuates apoptosis, and prevents AKI-to-CKD progression. The nanoparticles exhibit excellent biocompatibility and undergo efficient renal clearance within 14 days. Mechanistically, the renoprotective effects involve both direct elimination of ROS and the reinforcement of endogenous antioxidant defenses through upregulation of the Mpv17 mitochondrial membrane protein-like (Mpv17l) pathway. Furthermore, we report that early endosome antigen 1 (EEA1) upregulation mediates the enhanced renal targeting of (+)CePPy under AKI conditions. This research highlights the potential of charge-modulated nanotherapeutics as a translatable strategy for renal protection and presents a promising approach for AKI treatment.

Abnormal tumor vasculature greatly accelerates tumor progression and diminishes antitumor treatments. Restoring perivascular NO gradients is available to maintain tumor vessel homeostasis and promote tumor vascular normalization. However, exogenously delivering NO strategies lacks the durability to maintain precise NO localization around tumor vessels. Herein, we design a lipid nano delivery system (MC@L) and exploit endothelial transcytosis to deliver metformin (Met) and CaO2 into tumor vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and tumor cells for achieving tumor vascular normalization-boosted antitumor immunotherapies. The Ca2+ and Met released in ECs could restore perivascular localization of NO by activating endothelial NOS (eNOS). Additionally, MC@L internalized by tumor cells could cause CaO2-induced immunogenic cell death (ICD), together with hypoxia relief and acid neutralization mediated by O2 generation and H+ consumption during CaO2 degradation, thus further improving the immune effector cell functions under the accompaniment of Met-mediated inhibition of tryptophane uptake in tumor cells. Such a lipid nano delivery system greatly increases the susceptibility of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice to PD-L1 blockade efficacy.

As the elite force of our immune system, T cells play a determining role in the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. However, the clever tumor cells construct a strong immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) fortress to resist the attack of T cells. Herein, a magnesium peroxide (MP)-based biomimetic nanoigniter loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and metformin (MET) is rationally designed (D/M-MP@LM) to awake T cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy via comprehensively destroying the strong TME fortress. The nanoigniter not only effectively initiate CD8+ T cell-mediated immune response by promoting the presentation of tumor antigens, but also greatly facilitate the infiltration of T cells by degrading rigid extracellular matrix (ECM). More importantly, the nanoigniter significantly augment the effector functions of infiltrated CD8+ T cells by Mg2+-mediated metalloimmunotherapy and avoid the exhaustion of CD8+ T cells by improving the acidic TME. Thus, the nanoigniter comprehensively awakes T cells and achieves remarkable tumor inhibition efficacy.

The traditional copper ion carrier, elesclomol, relies on transporting extracellular copper ions into cells. However, the limited extracellular copper ions hinder the copper accumulation inside cells, limiting the cuproptosis effects and thus reducing its therapeutic efficacy in cancer treatment. Although metal peroxides are effective in transporting metals and inducing oxidative stress, their application is constrained by poor safety. To address these challenges, we develop a safe bicelle nanosystem for metal peroxide delivery. Typically, the assembly of lipid-based nanoparticles into non-spherical shapes requires stabilizing agents such as membrane-stabilizing proteins (MSPs). In this study, the hydrophobic effect within the bicelle cavities is leveraged to encapsulate copper peroxide (CP), ensuring efficient delivery. CP forms a stabilizing ring around the bicelle, mimicking the function of MSPs to reinforce bicelle stability. Furthermore, considering the inhibitory effect of reduced glutathione (GSH) on cuproptosis, a GSH-sensitive derivative of doxorubicin (cDOX) is designed to reduce intracellular GSH levels. In tumor cells, cDOX interacts with CP to preferentially induce cuproptosis and oxidative stress, facilitating chemoimmunotherapy. These interactions collectively address the challenges of cuproptosis in cancer treatment by promoting efficient copper ion accumulation, effective induction of oxidative stress, and robust immunogenic cell death, providing a promising strategy for cancer therapy.

Among tumor microenvironment (TME), the entire metabolic characteristics of tumor-resident cells are reprogrammed to benefit the expansion of tumor cells, which count on glutamine in large part to fuel the tricarboxylic acid cycle for energy generation and anabolic metabolism support. Endothelial cells that are abducted by tumor cells to form a pathological tumor vascular network for constructing the hypoxic immunosuppressive TME, also rely on glutaminolysis as the “engine” of angiogenesis. Additionally, the glutamine metabolic preference benefits the polarization of TAMs towards pro-tumoral M2 phenotype as well. Herein, we developed a type of siRNA micelleplexes (MH@siGLS1) to reverse immunosuppressive TME by targeting glutaminolysis within tumor-resident cells for tumor vasculature normalization- and TAMs repolarization-enhanced photo-immunotherapy. Tumor cell starvation and antioxidant system destruction achieved by MH@siGLS1-mediated glutaminolysis inhibition could promote photodynamic therapy efficacy, which was available to trigger immunogenic cell death for adaptive antitumor immune responses. Meanwhile, glutaminolysis inhibition of tumor endothelial cells and TAMs could realize tumor vascular normalization and TAMs repolarization for antitumor immunity amplification. This study provides a unique perspective on cancer treatments by focusing on the interrelations of metabolic characteristics and the biofunctions of various cell types within TME.

Abnormal tumor vasculature greatly accelerates tumor progression and diminishes antitumor treatments. Restoring perivascular NO gradients is available to maintain tumor vessel homeostasis and promote tumor vascular normalization. However, exogenously delivering NO strategies lacks the durability to maintain precise NO localization around tumor vessels. Herein, we design a lipid nano delivery system (MC@L) and exploit endothelial transcytosis to deliver metformin (Met) and CaO2 into tumor vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and tumor cells for achieving tumor vascular normalization-boosted antitumor immunotherapies. The Ca2+ and Met released in ECs could restore perivascular localization of NO by activating endothelial NOS (eNOS). Additionally, MC@L internalized by tumor cells could cause CaO2-induced immunogenic cell death (ICD), together with hypoxia relief and acid neutralization mediated by O2 generation and H+ consumption during CaO2 degradation, thus further improving the immune effector cell functions under the accompaniment of Met-mediated inhibition of tryptophane uptake in tumor cells. Such a lipid nano delivery system greatly increases the susceptibility of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice to PD-L1 blockade efficacy.

The dense extracellular matrix (ECM) exerts a pivotal influence on supporting tumor progression. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of ECM and its abnormal accumulation in the tumor microenvironment hinders drug deep penetration, induces drug resistance in tumor cells, thus affecting the efficacy of chemotherapy. Herein, we developed a switchable bioadhesion nanoparticle (Fe/H@hCHO-HAase) for remodeling ECM to reverse apoptosis resistance and improve cancer treatment, which was formed through the self-assembly of iron phthalocyanine (Fe(II)Pc), hematoporphyrin-monomethyl ether (HMME) and CHO-HPG-PLA copolymer, with the surface modified by hyaluronidase (HAase). Fe/H@hCHO-HAase can respond to acidic microenvironment to achieve the gradual separation of HAase from the nanoparticle, thereby enabling the degradation of HA and the reduction of solid stress within ECM. This process further facilitated its deep penetration into tumor tissue and restored the bioadhesive capability of the residual Fe/H@hCHO for long-term retention. Meanwhile, oligomeric hyaluronic acid (oHA) produced by the degradation of HA could effectively reverse the resistance of tumor cells to apoptosis, thus enhancing the efficacy of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced apoptosis by Fe(II)Pc and HMME. The long-term and excellent antitumor efficacy of Fe/H@hCHO-HAase was evidenced by the B16F10 melanoma mouse model, in which only single dose administration was sufficient to significantly inhibit tumor growth.

The chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) has been demonstrated to trigger pyroptosis in tumor cells at exceptionally high concentrations. Nevertheless, the administration of DOX at suprapharmacological doses could cause acute off-target cytotoxicity and severe adverse effects. Herein, a biflavonoid derivative, F24, was found to improve the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells to low-dose DOX and reduce the adverse effects of DOX. We demonstrated that F24 synergized with low-dose DOX to increase pyroptosis and autophagy in HCC cells through dual-target CDK6 inhibition/p53 activation at a proper ratio. To achieve this synergistic effect, nanodiscs with large hydrophobic cavities were selected to codeliver the low-dose hydrophobic drugs DOX and F24 (DOX-F24@Nanodisc, DF@N), which improved the tumor accumulation of the two drugs and ensured precise drug ratio integrity within the tumor cells. DF@N can trigger gasdermin-E (GSDME)-based pyroptosis in tumor cells, accompanied by the cleavage of caspase-3. Strikingly, knocking out GSDME or caspase-3 redirected DF@N-driven cellular death from the pyroptosis pathway to the apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, DF@N administration suppressed tumor growth and activated pyroptosis in a Huh7 mouse xenograft tumor model. Overall, F24 was found to induce autophagy by targeting CDK6 and had a synergistic effect on DOX-induced pyroptosis. These results indicate that the pyroptosis-induced DF@N nanodisc system provides an effective and secure therapeutic strategy for treating HCC.

Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is typically intractable by immunotherapy due to an immunosuppressive microenvironment and the peritoneal-plasma barrier. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) presents unique advantages of noninvasive in situ treatment and the potential for antitumor immune activation. Building upon SDT technology, the study reports on a novel biodegradable sonosensitizer, CaS2O8, characterized by a narrow bandgap, abundant oxygen vacancies and a rapid ultrasound (US) response for abdominal SDT. Such sonosensitizer only produces lethal reactive oxygen species (ROS) after US irradiation, which is nontoxic in a physiological environment. After US irradiation, CaS2O8 yields a large amount of sulfate radical (SO4-), as well as sonodynamic related ROS (OH, and 1O2), which exerts a synergistic effect with Ca2+ overload to induce Z-conformation nucleic acid by augmenting oxidative damage. As a result, the PANoptosis is initiated through the ZBP1/RIPK3 pathway in tumor cells. This inflammatory cell death leads to a multi-faceted release of tumor cell contents which serve as an in situ tumor antigen to induce a robust antitumor immune response. Notably, the precision sono-immunotherapy enhances the infiltration of T cells into tumors by transforming an immunosuppressive phenotype into an immunostimulatory one. Therefore, targeting PANoptosis by CaS2O8-induced SDT can provide an alternative or additional clinical treatment and prolonged survival outcome for patients with PM.

The tumor develops defense tactics, including conversing the mechanical characteristics of tumor cells and their surrounding environment. A recent study reported that cholesterol depletion stiffens tumor cells, which could enhance adaptive T-cell immunotherapy. However, it remains unclear whether reducing the cholesterol in tumor cells contributes to re-educating the stiff tumor matrix, which serves as a physical barrier against drug penetration. Herein, we found that depleting cholesterol from tumor cells can demolish the intratumor physical barrier by disrupting the mechanical signal transduction between tumor cells and the extracellular matrix through the destruction of lipid rafts. This disruption allows nanoparticles (H/S@hNP) to penetrate deeply, resulting in improved photodynamic treatment. Our research also indicates that cholesterol depletion can inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and repolarize tumor-associated macrophages from M2 to M1, demonstrating the essential role of cholesterol in tumor progression. Overall, this study reveals that a cholesterol-depleted, softened tumor matrix reduces the difficulty of drug penetration, leading to enhanced antitumor therapeutics.

Ferroptosis is an emerging non-apoptotic death process, mainly involving lipid peroxidation (LPO) caused by iron accumulation, which is potentially lethal to the intrinsically apoptotic-resistant malignant tumor. However, it is still restricted by the inherent antioxidant systems of tumor cells and the poor efficacy of traditional iron-based ferroptosis initiators. Herein, the study develops a novel ferroptosis-inducing agent based on PEGylated Cu+/Cu2+-doped black phosphorus@polypyrrole heterojunction (BP@CPP), which is constructed by utilizing the phosphate on the surface of BP to chelate Cu ions and initiating subsequent in situ polymerization of pyrrole. As a novel Z-scheme heterojunction, BP@CPP possesses an excellent photocatalytic activity in which the separated electron-hole pairs under laser irradiation endow it with powerful oxidizing and reducing capacities, which synergy with Cu+/Cu2+ self-cycling catalyzing Fenton-like reaction to further strengthen reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, glutathione (GSH) depletion, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inactivation, ultimately leading to efficient ferroptosis. Systematic in vitro and in vivo evaluations demonstrate that BP@CPP effectively inhibit tumor growth by inducing desired ferroptosis while maintaining a favorable biosafety in the body. Therefore, the developed BP@CPP-based ferroptosis initiator provides a promising strategy for ferroptosis-like cancer therapy. A biodegradable and efficient ferroptosis initiator based on PEGylated Cu-doped black phosphorus@polypyrrole heterojunction (BP@CPP), which possesses excellent photo-enhanced redox capacity by Cu+/Cu2+ self-cycling and charge migration, synergistically accelerates the progression of ferroptosis-like cancer cell death via GSH depletion-promoting ROS burst and -inducing GPX4 inactivation as well as -LPO up-regulation.image

This comprehensive review elucidates the potential health benefits of theobromine, the principal psychopharmacological compound abundant in cocoa beans and various other sources. Theobromine showcases neuroprotective attributes, enhances cognitive function, and holds promise in mitigating age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, facilitates adipocyte browning, and contributes to weight management by augmenting lipid metabolism. Moreover, theobromine displays the potential to prevent kidney stone formation by inhibiting uric acid crystallization and promoting diuresis. As a metabolite of caffeine in mammals, theobromine shares similar pharmacological effects, primarily attributed to its structural resemblance to adenosine. These effects encompass phosphodiesterase inhibition, modulation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 activity, and adenosine receptor antagonism. While theobromine shows significant promise for medical applications, further research is imperative to comprehensively understand its clinical efficacy and safety profile.

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) is a known tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its expression is repressed in HCC and the underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we investigated the epigenetic mechanisms of CYP1A2 repression and potential therapeutic implications. In HCC tumor tissues, the methylation rates of CYP1A2 CpG island (CGI) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 3A protein levels were significantly higher, and there was a clear negative correlation between DNMT3A and CYP1A2 protein expression. Knockdown of DNMT3A by siRNA significantly increased CYP1A2 expression in HCC cells. Additionally, treating HCC cells with decitabine (DAC) resulted in a dose-dependent upregulation of CYP1A2 expression by reducing the methylation level of CYP1A2 CGI. Furthermore, we observed a decreased enrichment of H3K27Ac in the promoter region of CYP1A2 in HCC tissues. Treatment with the trichostatin A (TSA) restored CYP1A2 expression in HCC cells by increasing H3K27Ac levels in the CYP1A2 promoter region. Importantly, combination treatment of sorafenib with DAC or TSA resulted ina leftward shift of the dose-response curve, lower IC 50 values, and reduced colony numbers in HCC cells. Our findings suggest that hypermethylation of the CGI at the promoter, mediated by the high expression of DNMT3A, and hypoacetylation of H3K27 in the CYP1A2 promoter region, leads to CYP1A2 repression in HCC. Epigenetic drugs DAC and TSA increase HCC cell sensitivity to sorafenib by restoring CYP1A2 expression. Our study provides new insights into the epigenetic regulation of CYP1A2 in HCC and highlights the potential of epigenetic drugs as a therapeutic approach for HCC. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study marks the first exploration of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 suppression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our findings reveal that heightened DNA methyltransferase expression induces hypermethylation of the CpG island at the promoter, coupled with diminished H3K27Ac levels, resulting in the repression of CYP1A2 in HCC. The use of epigenetic drugs such as decitabine and trichostatin A emerges as a novel therapeutic avenue, demonstrating their potential to restore CYP1A2 expression and enhance sorafenib sensitivity in HCC cells.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a severe form of acute lung injury (ALI), is the major cause of intensive care unit death worldwide. ALI/ARDS is a common condition characterized by a storm of potent inflammatory cytokines. Lung delivery of glucocorticoids (GCs) by inhalation is a potential approach for ALI treatment and ARDS prevention; however, its efficacy is limited by the rapid clearance of GCs in lungs. In this study, we developed surface-modified poly(lactic acid)-hyperbranched polyglycerol nanoparticles (BNPs) with bioadhesive properties for local delivery to the epidermis of lung tissues, which exhibited prolonged release profile of payloads following intratracheal spraying administration. Compared with that of non-adhesive nanoparticles (NNPs), BNPs showed significantly enhanced adhesion and prolonged retention within lung tissues in vivo. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI mice treated with betamethasone dipropionate (BD)-loaded BNPs showed significantly fewer lung histological alterations and less lung inflammation than those administered free BD or BD-loaded NNPs, indicating the enhanced therapeutic efficacy of BD/BNPs in ALI. In contrast, the features of ARDS were observed in the animal models without any treatments. Our findings demonstrated that pulmonary delivery of BNPs can maintain their same surface structures and continuously form covalent connections with the contacted tissues, emphasizing their potential to improve the therapeutic efficacy in ALI and prevent from ARDS.

The characteristics of biofilms have exacerbated the issue of clinical antibiotic resistance, rendering it a pressing challenge in need of resolution. The combination of biofilm-dispersing agents and antibiotics can eliminate biofilms and promote healing synergistically in infected wounds. In this study, we developed a novel nanocomposite hydrogel (NC gel) comprised of the poly(lactic acid)-hyperbranched polyglycerol (PLA-HPG) based bioadhesive nanoparticles (BNPs) and a hydrophilic carboxymethyl chitosan (CS) network. The NC gel was designed to co-deliver two biofilm-dispersing agents (an NO-donor SNO, and an α-amylase Am) and an antibiotic, cefepime (Cef), utilizing a synergistic anti-biofilm mechanism in which Am loosens the matrix structure and NO promotes the release of biofilm bacteria via quorum sensing, and Cef kills bacteria. The drug-loaded NC gel (SNO/BNP/CS@Am-Cef) demonstrated sustained drug release, minimal cytotoxicity, and increased drug-bacterial interactions at the site of infection. When applied to mice infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilms in vivo, SNO/BNP/CS@Am-Cef enhanced biofilm elimination and promoted wound healing compared to traditional antibiotic treatments. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of the co-delivery of biofilm-dispersing agents and antibiotics using the NC gel and presents a promising approach for the polytherapy of bacterial biofilm-related infections.

Although the anthocyanins of red radishes (ARR) rich in polyacylated pelargonidin glucosides are used as commercial food pigment, they are unstable. We found that the anthocyanin purity of the crude ARR extract can be rapidly increased by 5 times using D101 macroporous resin (mass ratio of extract:resin = 1:2.2). Capsule constructed by chitosan (CTS), pectin (PT) and yeast glucan particles (YGP) presented a high efficiency to encapsulate ARR. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis verified that polyacylated pelargonidin glucosides in ARR were packed into the capsule. Microstructure observation and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy further confirmed the encapsulated structure. Co-encapsulation of CTS, PT and YGP showed effective protection for ARR against heat, oxygen, ascorbic acid, and physiological pH. This encapsulation also significantly improved the gastric and intestinal bioaccessibilities of ARR. These results suggested that the triplex-coated YGPs might be a promising strategy to protect and deliver polyacylated anthocyanin.

Intraperitoneal co-delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs (CDs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) brings hope to improve treatment outcomes in patients with peritoneal metastasis from ovarian cancer (OC). However, current intraperitoneal drug delivery systems face issues such as rapid drug clearance from lymphatic drainage, heterogeneous drug distribution, and uncontrolled release of therapeutic agents into the peritoneal cavity. Herein, we developed an injectable nanohydrogel by combining carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) with bioadhesive nanoparticles (BNPs) based on polylactic acid-hyperbranched polyglycerol. This system enables the codelivery of CD and ICI into the intraperitoneal space to extend drug retention. The nanohydrogel is formed by cross-linking of aldehyde groups on BNPs with amine groups on CMCS via reversible Schiff base bonds, with CD and ICI loaded separately into BNPs and CMCS network. BNP/CMCS nanohydrogel maintained the activity of the biomolecules and released drugs in a sustained manner over a 7 day period. The adhesive property, through the formation of Schiff bases with peritoneal tissues, confers BNPs with an extended residence time in the peritoneal cavity after being released from the nanohydrogel. In a mouse model, BNP/CMCS nanohydrogel loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) and anti-PD-1 antibodies (αPD-1) significantly suppressed peritoneal metastasis of OC compared to all other tested groups. In addition, no systemic toxicity of nanohydrogel-loaded PTX and αPD-1 was observed during the treatment, which supports potential translational applications of this delivery system.