Work

Phlorizin-integrated magnetic pollen micromotors for diabetes complication management

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Phlorizin (PHZ) is a compound naturally found in apples, hawthorns and other plants, which shows potential in treating diabetes and its complications. However, its intestinal stability and precise targeted release ability remain challenging. Herein, we proposed a PHZ-integrated magnetic pollen micromotor for the treatment of diabetes combined with intestinal inflammation, which can well solve these problems and achieve the goal of effective drug release. We used porous pollen to load Phlorizin and then wrapped it with a calcium alginate (CaAlg) shell. Additionally, Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 nanoparticles were incorporated to enhance the movement and retention of the micromotors in the intestine through magnetic control. Based on these characteristics, the PHZ-integrated magnetic pollen micromotors exhibited promising efficacy in the treatment of diabetes combined with intestinal inflammation, including reducing blood glucose and achieving anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These results demonstrated that the proposed magnetic pollen micromotor delivery system has great potential for clinical gastrointestinal drug delivery. We fabricated a PHZ-integrated magnetic pollen micromotor for the treatment of diabetes combined with intestinal inflammation, which can well solve these problems and achieve the goal of effective drug release. We used porous pollen to load Phlorizin and then wrapped it with a calcium alginate (CaAlg) shell. Additionally, Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 nanoparticles were incorporated to enhance the movement and retention of the micromotors in the intestine through magnetic control. It has been demonstrated that the proposed magnetic pollen micromotor delivery system has great potential for clinical gastrointestinal drug delivery.

Source: Materials Today Bio

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102582

Authors: Minyu Zhou, Xinyuan Yang, Hongzheng Li, Luoran Shang

Institutions: Wenzhou Medical University, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Micro and Nano Robotics

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,400