Orally Administered Silicon Hydrogen Nanomaterials as Target Therapy to Treat Intestinal Diseases

Abstract

The occurrence and development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are inextricably linked to the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, there is an urgent need to develop innovative tactics to combat IBDs and scavenge excess ROS from affected areas. Herein, silicon hydrogen nanoparticles (SiH NPs) with ROS-scavenging ability were prepared by etching Si nanowires (NWs) with hydrogen fluoride (HF) to alleviate the symptoms associated with IBD by orally targeting the inflamed colonic sites. The strong reductive Si–H bonds showed excellent stability in the gastric and intestinal fluids, which exhibited efficient ROS-scavenging effects to protect cells from high oxidative stress-induced death. After oral delivery, the negatively charged SiH NPs were specifically adsorbed to the positively charged inflammatory epithelial tissues of the colon for an extended period via electrostatic interactions to prolong the colonic residence time. SiH NPs exhibited significant preventive and therapeutic effects in dextran sodium sulfate-induced prophylactic and therapeutic mouse models by inhibiting colonic shortening, reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, regulating macrophage polarization, and protecting the colonic barrier. As determined using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing, the oral administration of SiH NPs treatment led to changes in the abundance of the intestinal microbiome, which improved the bacterial diversity and restored the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria after the inflamed colon. Overall, our findings highlight the broad application of SiH-based anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of IBD and other inflammatory diseases.

Melanin Nanoparticle-Modified Probiotics for Targeted Synergistic Therapy of Ulcerative Colitis

“…Selective accumulation in inflammatory colonic tissue is critical for oral UC therapy. − NIR-II fluorescent imaging at different time points was used to evaluate the accumulation of Lf@MPB in the inflammatory colonic tissues. DSS-induced UC mouse model was established and administrated with Lf@MPB@IR820 and Lf@IR820.…”

Conceptual transition from molecular to atomic: unleashing a new era in hydrogen therapy for chronic disease

“…Hydrogen, being the most abundant element in the cosmos, manifests in various natural forms that offer contemplations and alternations for the refinement of hydrogen therapy [ 6 , 7 ]. A recent publication in National Science Review by Zhu and colleagues marks a paradigm shift in this domain.…”