Nanozyme-mediated catalytic nanotherapy for inflammatory bowel disease

The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and causes oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids. These ROS promote the initiation and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). This study proposes a unique concept of nanomaterials with intrinsic enzyme-like activity (nanozymes) to mediate catalytic nanotherapy for IBD. Methods: We first synthesized manganese Prussian blue nanozymes (MPBZs) with multi-enzyme activity. A dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model of colitis was built. The ROS scavenging capacity and anti-inflammatory effects of the MPBZs were investigated. Results: As a proof of concept, MPBZs with multi-enzyme activity were constructed of variable valence elements (Mn and Fe) via a facile and efficient strategy. Due to the increased intestinal permeability and positively charged surfaces of inflamed mucosa in murine colitis, the prepared MPBZs with nanoscale sizes and negative charges preferentially accumulated at inflamed sites after oral administration. Importantly, MPBZs mediated catalytic nanotherapy for IBD in mice via a primary effect on the toll-like receptor signaling pathway without adverse side effects. Conclusion: MPBZs with multi-enzyme activity were constructed to treat IBD. This nanozyme-based approach is a promising strategy for catalytic nanotherapy in patients with colonic IBD.