Bioactive Composite Nanoparticles for Effective Microenvironment Regulation, Neuroprotection, and Cell Differentiation

Brain injuries typically result in neural tissue damage and trigger a permanent neurologic deficit. Current methods exhibit limited effects due to the harsh microenvironment of injury regions rich in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, a microenvironment regulation combined with cellular differentiation strategy is designed for repairing injured nerves. We prepare PMNT/F@D-NP nanoparticles comprising a bioactive polythiophene derivative (PMNT) and fullerenol as a multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform. PMNT/F@D-NPs can significantly reduce the accumulation of ROS in the simulated ischemic brain injury trial and inhibit cell apoptosis due to the effective free radical scavenging ability of fullerenol. Interestingly, the bioactive PMNT/F@D-NPs can promote the proliferation and differentiation of neurons, confirmed by immunofluorescence and western blotting studies. This newly developed strategy exhibits a combinatorial therapeutic effect by promoting nerve cell survival and differentiation while improving the microenvironment in the damaged area, which paves the way for the rational design of multifunctional agents for brain injury therapy.

Automated summary

This study presents a microenvironment regulation and cellular differentiation strategy for repairing injured nerves. By preparing nanoparticles with bioactive components, the strategy reduces oxidative stress and promotes the proliferation and differentiation of neurons. This combinatorial therapeutic effect improves nerve cell survival and differentiation while enhancing the damaged area's microenvironment.