Oral delivery of superoxide dismutase by lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles for the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Abstract

Protein-based drugs have received extensive attention in the field of drug research in recent years. However, protein-based drug activity is difficult to maintain during oral delivery, which limits its application. This study developed bifunctional oral lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (R8-PEG-PPNPs) that deliver superoxide dismutase (SOD) for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). R8-PEG-PPNPs was composed of PCADK, PLGA, lecithin, and co-modified with stearic acid-octa-arginine and polyethylene glycol. The nanoparticles (NPs) are uniformly dispersed with a complete spherical structure. In vitro stability and release studies showed that R8-PEG-PPNPs exhibited good stability and protection. In vitro cell culture experiments demonstrated that R8-PEG-PPNPs as carriers have no significant toxic effects on cells at concentration below 1000 µg/mL and promote cellular uptake. In experiments with ulcerative colitis mice, R8-PEG- PPNPs were able to enhance drug absorption by intestinal epithelial cells and accumulate effectively at the site of inflammation. Its therapeutic effect further demonstrates that R8-PEG-PPNPs are a promising delivery system for oral delivery of protein-based drugs.