Ionic Crosslinking Research Articles

Sulfonated Poly (Ether Ether Ketone)‐Filled Nanofiber‐Based Composite Proton Exchange Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

ABSTRACTProton exchange membranes (PEMs) with high proton conductivity, good methanol barrier ability, and reliable mechanical stability are crucial for their practical application in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Preparation of nanofiber‐based composite PEMs is a facile and effective way to balance the trade‐off between proton conductivity and mechanical stability of sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK). Herein, surface amino functionalized silica coated polyvinylidene fluoride (N‐SiO2@PVDF) electrospun nanofibers were prepared and used as a mechanical support for SPEEK. The obtained SPEEK‐filled N‐SiO2@PVDF composite membrane showed a high mechanical strength (27.3 MPa) and good toughness with the aid of the reinforcement effect of nanofibers together with the ionic crosslinking between surface grafted NH2 and the filling polymer SPEEK. Moreover, the composite membrane demonstrated considerable conductivities especially at 80°C (46.1 mS cm−1), which was very close to that of SPEEK (53.5 mS cm−1). Thanks to its low methanol crossover and high proton conductivity, the single DMFC assembled with SPEEK‐N‐SiO2@PVDF output higher open circuit voltage of 0.78 V and power density of 70.5 mW cm−2, which were far beyond those of SPEEK (0.66 V and 42.5 mW cm−2).

Bioinspired Super-Robust Conductive Hydrogels for Machine Learning-Assisted Tactile Perception System.

Conductive hydrogels have attracted significant attention due to exceptional flexibility, electrochemical property, and biocompatibility. However, the low mechanical strength can compromise their stability under high stress, making the material susceptible to fracture in complex or harsh environments. Achieving a balance between conductivity and mechanical robustness remains a critical challenge. In this study, super-robust conductive hydrogels were designed and developed with highly oriented structures and densified networks, by employing techniques such as stretch-drying-induced directional assembly, salting-out, and ionic crosslinking. The hydrogels showed remarkable mechanical property (tensile strength: 17.13-142.1MPa; toughness: 50MJm- 3), high conductivity (30.1 Sm-1), and reliable strain sensing performance. Additionally, it applied this hydrogel material to fabricate biomimetic electronic skin device, significantly improving signal quality and device stability. By integrating the device with 1D convolutional neural network algorithm, it further developed a real-time material recognition system based on triboelectric and piezoresistive signal collection, achieving a classification accuracy of up to 99.79% across eight materials. This study predicted the potential of the high-performance conductive hydrogels for various applications in flexible smart wearables, the Internet of Things, bioelectronics, and bionic robotics.

A quercetin nanoparticle combined with a 3D-printed decellularized extracellular matrix/ gelatin methacryloyl/sodium alginate biomimetic tumor model for the treatment of melanoma.

The traditional drug efficacy testing often conducted using two-dimensional (2D) cell culture methods, which do not accurately replicate the complexity of the tumor microenvironment. Melanoma in particular, is known for its high incidence, and aggressive nature, highlighting the need for more sophisticated in vitro models that better simulate the tumor's true biological microenvironment drug research and therapy. In this study, we developed quercetin nanoparticles (QueNPs) with enhanced water solubility and promising tumor therapeutic effects. These nanoparticles were formed through the self-assembly of Pluronic F127 (PF127) and quercetin (Que). To better mimic the in vivo tumor environment, we also created a composite scaffold using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, incorporating a decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), which closely resembles the native tissue microenvironment. The scaffold also included gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), which forms a polymeric network via photocrosslinking, and sodium alginate (SA), which enhances structural stability through ion cross-linking with calcium ions. This combination was used to construct a more physiologically relevant 3D melanoma model. The anti-cancer effects of QueNPs were assessed in both 2D and 3D culture systems. The results showed that tumor cells in the 3D model formed cluster and distributed across the scaffold, creating a more realistic tumor microenvironment compared to the 2D system. Cells in the 3D tumor model exhibited significant resistance to QueNPs, with a time dependent response that resulted in a killing rate of over 90% by day 14. These findings highlight the efficiency of the QueNPs in the 3D melanoma model and emphasize the importance of incorporation 3D printing and nanomedicine for more accurate and effective drug screening.

Sodium alginate hydrogel loaded with Capparis spinosa L. extract for antimicrobial and antioxidant wound dressing applications.

Novel composite hydrogels composed of Capparis spinosa L. extract (CSL) and sodium alginate (SA) were developed for biomedical applications using calcium chloride (CaCl₂) as a nontoxic ionic crosslinker. The swelling degree, antioxidant activity, water retention, and biocompatibility of the CSL/SA composite hydrogels were thoroughly analyzed, along with their antibacterial properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that the CSL/SA composite hydrogels exhibited a three-dimensional porous structure with uniform pore distribution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results suggested that CSL was successfully incorporated into composite hydrogels. When the CSL concentration reached 9 %, the swelling degree attained 765.89 ± 21.36 %. Furthermore, the addition of CSL enhanced the oxidation resistance of the composite hydrogels. Agar disk diffusion assessments confirmed that the CSL/SA composite hydrogels exhibited significant antibacterial effects against E. coli and S. aureus. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that the composite hydrogels effectively accelerated cell proliferation. Therefore, these hydrogels show promising potential for application as wound dressings.

Fabrication, characterization, and application of gelatin/alginate-based hydrogels incorporating selenium-doped deferoxamine-derived carbon quantum dots: In vitro and in vivo studies.

This study developed a gelatin/alginate-based nanocomposite hydrogel (NC gel), incorporating selenium-doped deferoxamine-derived carbon quantum dots (Se.DFO-CQDs). Initially, Se.DFO-CQDs were synthesized and characterized through several tests, and subsequently, NC gels were created using an ionic crosslinking method and analyzed through characterization tests such as SEM, EDX, FT-IR, XRD, tensile strength, water uptake, water vapor transmission rate, weight loss, porosity, blood compatibility, microbial penetration, and DPPH. In vivo studies revealed that NC gels containing Se.DFO-CQDs at 50 % and 0 % exhibited higher wound closure percentages than the control group. The highest wound closure percentage was observed in NC gels with Se.DFO-CQDs at 50 %, reaching 85.7 ± 3.98 % on the 7th day and 98.1 ± 3.95 % on the 14th day. Histological examinations demonstrated that NC gels with Se.DFO-CQDs at 50 % promoted more significant neovascularization, re-epithelialization, and collagen synthesis. Additionally, RT-qPCR results indicated that NC gels with Se.DFO-CQDs at 50 % significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of VEGF-A, bFGF, PDGF-b, and lncRNA GAS5 on the 7th day and COL1A1 on the 14th day. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the NC gels with Se.DFO-CQDs at 50 % show promise for enhancing wound healing and skin regeneration, potentially offering clinical applications.

Conductive Supramolecular Acrylate Hydrogels Enabled by Quaternized Chitosan Ionic Crosslinking for High-Fidelity 3D Printing

Conductive Supramolecular Acrylate Hydrogels Enabled by Quaternized Chitosan Ionic Crosslinking for High-Fidelity 3D Printing

Enhanced fire-retardant, smoke-suppressing, and ultra-strong mechanical properties of non-adhesive laminated wood through borate ion crosslinking

Enhanced fire-retardant, smoke-suppressing, and ultra-strong mechanical properties of non-adhesive laminated wood through borate ion crosslinking

Locally administered liposomal drug depot enhances rheumatoid arthritis treatment by inhibiting inflammation and promoting cartilage repair

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by synovial hyperplasia, where inflammatory macrophages within the joint synovium produce multiple inflammatory cytokines, leading to cartilage damage. The development of therapeutic strategies that combine anti-inflammatory effects and cartilage repair mechanisms holds great promise for effective RA treatment. To address the limitations associated with the off-target effects of intravenous administration and the risk of synovial cavity infection with repeated local injections, we have innovatively developed a liposomal drug depot through hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified liposomes encapsulating dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP)-loaded nanogels, termed HA-Lipo@G/D. The nanogels were prepared by ionic cross-linking of chondroitin sulfate and gelatin, both of which have notable cartilage repair properties. In vitro studies demonstrated that this formulation exhibited sustained drug release, enhanced uptake by inflammatory macrophages, reduced secretion of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β), and significantly decreased chondrocyte apoptosis induced by inflammatory factors. Moreover, in vivo assessments in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis revealed effective accumulation of the liposomal drug depot at the inflamed joint site, resulting in macrophage repolarization and cartilage tissue repair. Our findings provide a synergistic strategy for inhibiting inflammation and mitigating cartilage damage through local joint cavity injection, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of RA.Graphical

Double Cross-linked Methacrylated Carboxymethyl Pea Starch Cryogels with Highly Compressive Elasticity and Hemostatic Function.

As an abundant renewable natural material, starch has attracted unprecedented interest in the biomedical field. Carboxylated starch particles have been investigated for topical hemostasis, but the powder may not provide physical protection or support for wounds. Here, we prepared macroporous cryogel sponges of methacrylated carboxymethyl starch (CM-ST-MA) containing a covalent and a calcium ionic double network. The second ionic cross-linking network enhanced the compressive strength and toughness dramatically but reduced the swelling ratios. Cryogels and sponges exhibited excellent compressive elasticity at low Ca2+ concentrations (0.01 M). Cryogels became more plastic and dry sponges became rigid and brittle at high Ca2+ concentrations. The cryogels have outstanding wet-thermal stability but are still degradable via enzymatic hydrolysis. All CM-ST-MA sponges showed excellent biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and outstanding hemostasis in in vitro assays. In the in vivo mouse tail amputation model, both CM-ST-MA cryogels without or with Ca2+ (0.01 M) reduced the blood loss and bleeding time significantly.

Double-Dynamic-Bond Cross-Linked Hydrogel Adhesive with Cohesion-Adhesion Enhancement for Emergency Tissue Closure and Infected Wound Healing.

The hydrogel adhesives with strong tissue adhesion and biological characteristics adhm202404447are urgently needed for injury sealing and tissue repair. However, the negative correlation between tissue adhesion and the mechanical strength poses a challenge for their practical application. Herein, a bio-inspired cohesive enhancement strategy is developed to prepare the hydrogel adhesive with simultaneously enhanced mechanical strength and tissue adhesion. The double cross-linked network is achieved through the cooperation between polyacrylic acid grafted with N-hydroxy succinimide crosslinked by tannic acid and cohesion-enhanced ion crosslinking of sodium alginate and Ca2+. Such a unique structure endows the resultant hydrogel adhesive with excellent tissue adhesion strength and mechanical strength. The hydrogel adhesive is capable of sealing various organs in vitro, and exhibits satisfactory on-demand removability, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. As a proof of concept, the hydrogel adhesive not only effectively halts non-compressible hemorrhages of beating heart and femoral artery injury models in rats, but also accelerates the healing of infected wound by inhibiting bacteria and reducing inflammation. Overall, this advanced hydrogel adhesive is promising as an emergency rescue adhesive that enables robust tissue closure, timely controlling bleeding, and promoting damaged tissue healing.

A bioactive Hydrogel Patch Accelerates Revascularization in Ischemic Lesions for Tissue Repair

Abstract Background Magnesium ions play crucial roles in maintaining cellular functions. Research has shown that Mg2+ can promote angiogenesis, indicating its potential for treating cardiovascular ischemic diseases. However, conventional intravenous or oral administration of Mg2+ presents several challenges, including the risk of systemic side effects, diminished bioavailability, and a lack of targeted delivery mechanisms. In this study, we designed a Mg2+-releasing adhesive tissue patch (MgAP) that enables the dural release of Mg2+ ions. Methods A novel Mg2+-releasing adhesive patch (MgAP) was developed on the basis of ionic crosslinking. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structure, whereas rheological analysis demonstrated stable mechanical properties and adaptability to dynamic loads. Sustained Mg2+ release was quantified over 7 days by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. In a rat acute myocardial infarction model, we performed echocardiography and strain analysis to assess cardiac function and histological staining to evaluate adverse remodeling. We also verified the proangiogenic effect through in vitro tube formation and in vivo immunofluorescence assays. Furthermore, transcriptomics and Western blotting were performed to explore the underlying mechanism. Additional assessments were also carried out in a rat model of lower limb ischemia. Results Compared with intravenous administration of magnesium chloride, MgAP application effectively improved cardiac function and reduced adverse remodeling in the myocardial infarction rat model. The left ventricular ejection fraction increased by 20.3 ± 6.6%, and the cardiac radial strain improved by 27.4 ± 4.1%. The cardiac fibrosis area and cell apoptosis rate decreased by 10.9 ± 1.2% and 32.1 ± 5.5%, respectively. RNA sequencing analysis also highlighted the upregulation of genes related to cardiac electrophysiological properties, structural and functional intercellular connections, and revascularization. The increased gap junction protein expression and restored local blood supply could contribute to the cardiac repair process posttreatment. The proangiogenic effect of MgAP was also observed in the rat limb ischemia model. Conclusions The above results revealed the convincing vascular regeneration effect of an ion therapy-based hydrogel, which enabled the local delivery of Mg2+ to the targeted ischemic tissue, aiding in cardiac and lower limb repair. This study presents a novel strategy and highlights its potential for use across various ischemic conditions.

Influence of Electrostatic Interactions on the Self-Assembly of Charged Peptides.

Peptides can be designed to self-assemble into predefined supramolecular nanostructures, which are then employed as biomaterials in a range of applications, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, and vaccination. However, current self-assembling peptide (SAP) hydrogels exhibit inadequate self-healing capacities and necessitate the use of sophisticated printing apparatus, rendering them unsuitable for 3D printing under physiological conditions. Here, we report a precisely designed charged peptide, Z5, with the object of investigating the impact of electrostatic interactions on the self-assembly and the rheological properties of the resulting hydrogels. This peptide displays salt-triggered self-assembly resulting in the formation of a nanofiber network with a high β-sheet content. The peptide self-assembly and the hydrogel properties can be modified according to the ionic environment. It is noteworthy that the Z5 hydrogel in normal saline (NS) shows exceptional self-healing properties, demonstrating the ability to recover its initial strength in seconds after the removal of shear force, thus rendering it an acceptable material for printing. In contrast, the strong salt shielding effect and the ionic cross-linking of Z5 hydrogels in PBS result in the bundling of peptide nanofibers, which impedes the recovery of the initial strength post-destruction. Furthermore, incorporating materials with varied charging properties into Z5 hydrogels can alter the electrostatic interactions among peptide nanofibers, further modulating the rheological properties and the printability of SAP hydrogels.

Strong and Fireproof Regenerated Wood via a Combined Phosphorylation-Surface Nanofibrillation and Ionic Cross-Linking Strategy.

To reduce the environmental impact of plastics, an increasing number of high-performance sustainable materials have emerged. Among them, wood-based high-performance structural materials have gained growing attention due to their outstanding mechanical and thermal properties. Here, we introduce phosphate groups onto the wood veneers for surface nanofibrillation, effectively altering both the molecular structure and surface morphology of wood, which enhances the interactions between wood veneers and endows the wood with excellent fire resistance properties. With these phosphorylated wood-based building blocks, "chemical welding" structural materials (CWSMs) obtained through chemical cross-linking exhibit excellent mechanical properties. The flexural strength of CWSM reaches 225 MPa, and the modulus reaches 16 GPa, surpassing those of various types of natural wood. At the same time, phosphorylation has endowed CWSM with excellent fire resistance, with a limiting oxygen index reaching 49%, making it completely noncombustible. More importantly, as a biomass-based structural material, CWSM exhibits mechanical, thermal, and fire resistance properties and degradability far superior to those of traditional petroleum-based plastics, making it an ideal candidate for plastic replacement.

Effects of Calcium Chloride Crosslinking Solution Concentration on the Long-Term Cell Viability of 16HBE14o- Human Bronchial Cells Embedded in Alginate-Based Hydrogels.

In this preliminary study, the long-term effects of calcium chloride crosslinking concentration on viability of 16HBE14o- human bronchial epithelial cells embedded in alginate-extracellular matrix (ECM) or alginate-methylcellulose-ECM hydrogels have been investigated. There is currently a limited understanding regarding the effects of crosslinking solution concentration on lung epithelial cells embedded in hydrogel. Furthermore, the effects of calcium chloride concentration in crosslinking solutions on other cell types have not been reported regarding whether the addition of viscosity and stiffness tuning agents such as methylcellulose will alter the responses of cells to changes in calcium chloride concentration in crosslinking solutions. While there were no significant effects of calcium chloride concentration on cell viability in alginate-ECM hydrogels, there is a decrease in cell viability in alginate-methylcellulose-ECM hydrogels crosslinked with 300 mM calcium chloride crosslinking solution. These findings have implications in the maintenance of 16HBE14o- 3D cultures with respect to the gelation of alginate with high concentrations of ionic crosslinking solution.

Designing & optimisation of dual Ca2+ and SO4 2– ionic cross-linked sericin/pectin microbeads using response surface methodology for colon-specific delivery

Ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon, requires precise and targeted treatment, and polysaccharides, with their pH responsiveness and biodegradability, offer an innovative approach for colon-specific drug delivery. This study aims to develop a highly precise drug delivery system with enhanced therapeutic and targeting efficiency for ulcerative colitis, focusing on the preparation, optimisation, and evaluation of dual cross-linked mesalamine-loaded sericin-pectin (DCLSPs) micro-beads. These beads utilise the pH-responsive and microflora biodegradability properties of polysaccharides for targeted colon delivery, employing the Response Surface Methodology. Formulated via the ionotropic gelation method with divalent cross-linking ions (Ca2+ and SO4 2–), the DCLSPs were optimised using a Box-Behnken design to assess the impact of the varying drug, pectin, and sericin polymer proportions. The DCLSPs were evaluated for entrapment efficiency, thermal behaviour, surface morphology, water uptake, swelling, and in-vitro drug release. Results indicated that spherical beads were successfully developed, with encapsulation efficiency ranging from 65.1% to 95.5%, drug loading between 32.5% and 49.9%, bead sizes of 0.75 mm to 0.92 mm, and degrees of swelling from 0.92 to 1.82. Drug release was controlled by both diffusion and swelling mechanisms, as supported by the Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. The optimised formulation demonstrated high drug encapsulation efficiency, pH-responsive swelling, and strong adhesion to the colon, ensuring extended retention at the targeted site. Additionally, the incorporation of sericin enhanced the accuracy of Gaussian fitting for particle size distribution. Overall, the dual cross-linked sericin-pectin beads show potential as mucoadhesive carriers for delivering drugs specifically to the colon.

Modified natural polymers as additives in high-temperature drilling fluids: A review.

Drilling fluids are often referred to as the "blood" of the drilling process, as they play a crucial role in determining both the efficiency and safety of drilling operations. Natural polymers, derived from renewable sources, such as cellulose, lignin, chitosan, xanthan gum, and starch, offer inherent advantages such as sustainability, biodegradability, and environmentally-friendliness when used as additives in drilling fluids. However, the inherent properties of natural polymers are adversely affected by thermal degradation due to their low heat resistance under harsh drilling conditions, where temperatures can exceed 150°C. To address these challenges, various modification techniques, including free radical polymerization, esterification, etherification, silanization, hydroxymethylation, and ionic crosslinking, have been employed. This paper provides an overview of recent advances in the application of modified natural polymers as additives in water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs) under high-temperature drilling conditions. It begins by discussing the degradation mechanisms of natural polymers at high temperatures, followed by a review of the techniques used for their modification. Subsequently, the application of modified natural polymers as rheological and fluid loss additives in high-temperature WBDFs is briefly presented. Finally, the challenges, environmental impacts, and future considerations for the use of modified polymers are outlined to guide future development of environmentally friendly, high-performance WBDFs.

Protein-polyelectrolyte complexation: effects of sterically repulsive groups, macromolecular architecture and hierarchical assembly.

Self-assembly of proteins and polyelectrolytes in aqueous solutions is a promising approach for the development of advanced biotherapeutics and engineering efficient biotechnological processes. Synthetic polyions containing sterically repulsive ethylene oxide moieties are especially attractive as protein modifying agents, as they can potentially induce a PEGylation-like stabilizing effect without the need for complex covalent binding reactions. In this study, we investigated the protein-binding properties of anionic polyelectrolytes based on an inorganic polyphosphazene backbone, with ethylene oxide groups incorporated into both grafted and linear macromolecular topologies. The study was conducted in aqueous solutions using isothermal titration calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, and cryogenic electron microscopy to analyze the samples in their vitrified state. Our findings revealed that the stability of the resulting protein-polyion complexes and the thermodynamic profiles of these interactions were influenced by the molecular architecture of the polyions. Furthermore, the formation of hierarchical assemblies of polyions, through ionic crosslinking into nanogels, rapidly reduced or eliminated the ability of the polyelectrolyte to bind proteins. The comprehensive analysis, combining thermodynamic, spectroscopy and direct visualization techniques, provides valuable insights into the multivalent charge-charge interactions that are critical for the development of successful non-covalent protein modification methods.

Highly compressible lamellar graphene/cellulose/sodium alginate aerogel via bidirectional freeze-drying for flexible pressure sensor.

Graphene exhibits exceptional electrical properties, and aerogels made from it demonstrate high sensitivity when used in sensors. However, traditional graphene aerogels have poor biocompatibility and sustainability, posing potential environmental and health risks. Moreover, the stacking of their internal structures results in low compressive strength and fatigue resistance, which limits their further applications. In this study, green and sustainable cellulose nanofibers/sodium alginate/reduced graphene oxide aerogels (BCSRA) were synthesized, featuring a well-defined lamellar structure and a fiber cross-linked network, employing techniques such as bidirectional freeze-drying, ionic cross-linking, and thermal annealing. The unique internal architecture of BCSRA results in a compressive strength of up to 64.55 kPa at 70 % compression deformation and an extremely low density of merely 7.21 mg/cm3. Furthermore, BCSRA displays outstanding fatigue resistance, maintaining 82.17 % of its stress after 100 compression cycles at 70 % compressive strain and 86.99 % after 1000 cycles at 50 % compressive strain. Remarkably, when utilized as a flexible pressure sensor, BCSRA achieves a sensitivity of 5.71 kPa-1 and endures over 2200 cycles at 40 % compression, all while ensuring consistent electrical signal output. These properties underscore its significant potential for application in wearable flexible pressure sensors, capable of detecting various human movements.

Fabrication of phospholipid polymer-modified alginate hydrogels for bioartificial pancreas.

The bioartificial pancreas, composed of a semi-permeable hydrogel encapsulating insulin-secreting cells, has attracted attention as a treatment for type 1 diabetes. In this study, we developed phospholipid polymer-modified alginate hydrogel beads that encapsulated spheroids of the pancreatic beta cell line MIN6. The hydrogel beads were composed of methacrylated alginic acid, which enabled both ionic and covalent cross-linking, resulting in a hydrogel that was more stable than conventional alginate hydrogels. Furthermore, modification of biocompatible 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymers suppressed protein adsorption to the hydrogel beads. Hydrogel beads encapsulating MIN6 spheroids maintained the cell viability and insulin secretion ability in response to glucose levels invitro. Allogenic transplantation of gel beads lowered blood glucose levels in diabetic mice for 30 days, whereas gel beads without MPC polymer modification failed to regulate blood glucose levels. These results indicate that MPC polymer modification of hydrogels provides a new strategy for the fabrication of functional bioartificial pancreas and transplantable biomaterials for cell therapies.

Microfluidic design and preparation of hydrogel microcapsules of Mesona chinensis polysaccharide: Characterization, pH-responsive behavior and gastrointestinal protection for Lactobacillus plantarum.

Probiotics have brought many health benefits to the human body. However, their viability during gastrointestinal transit is a concern. Therefore, this study selected Mesona chinensis polysaccharide (MCP), an edible natural polysaccharide, and constructed a new type of microcapsules using MCP as raw material to prepare cross-linked calcium ions through a microfluidic system as an ideal intestinal targeting carrier to achieve precise delivery of bioactive substances. The results showed that the Mesona chinensis polysaccharide microcapsules (MCM) had high monodispersity, stable morphology and uniform particle size (737.25±10.40-511.65±10.99μm) under various parameters, and had good pH-response ability in simulated body fluids. In vivo imaging demonstrated the targeting and protective effects of the microcapsules. Compared to the free group, MCM had a longer retention time in the intestine. After encapsulating Lactobacillus plantarum, MCM formed a dense protective layer on the outer layer in simulated gastric fluid, which improved the survival and storage stability of Lactobacillus plantarum. It can be reasonably proposed that MCM represents a viable alternative as a carrier with gastric acid protection and intestinal targeting. This has the potential to expand the application of MCP in functional food and medicine, while also facilitating the future delivery of bioactive substances.