Work

Self-Assembled Quercetin–Mecobalamin Nanoparticles Mitigate Ischemic Stroke Injury via Enhanced Neuroprotection and Microglial Modulation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Ischemic stroke is the key cause of increased disability and mortality in society. Quercetin (Qu), a natural compound with neuroprotective effects, shows promise for treating ischemic stroke. However, Qu's hydrophobicity may be an important factor limiting its therapeutic efficacy. Here, a novel quercetin nanodrug (Qu-Me NPs) is constructed by a facile self-assembly with mecobalamin (a FDA-approved drug for peripheral neuropathy), aiming to overcome the hydrophobicity and improve the bioavailability of Qu. Qu-Me NPs exhibits excellent dispersibility, uniform particle size, and stability in physiological media. Qu-Me NPs markedly attenuated infarct size, reduced neuroinflammation, and improved functional recovery at a 1/10 dose of free quercetin in the mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Mechanistically, Qu-Me NPs modulated anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress pathways, including suppression of microglial M1 polarization by the downregulation of Panx1 and attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-6). These findings suggest that Qu-Me NPs is a new formulation of Qu, safe, and efficient therapeutic nanodrug for treating MCAO with a ready-to-be-clinically translated potential.

Source: ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering

DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.5c01855

Authors: Tianhao Zhang, Shiwen Fan, Haipeng Ji, Wen Liu, Xiangdong Chen, Daan Fu

Institutions: Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shihezi University, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500