Polymer/Aptamer-Integrated Gold Nanoconstruct Suppresses the Inflammatory Process by Scavenging ROS and Capturing Pro-inflammatory Cytokine TNF-α

In the present study, we report a rationally designed polymer/aptamer-integrated gold (Au) nanoconstruct capable of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and capturing tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and investigate its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of peritonitis. By taking advantage of specific interactions between ATP and both ATP aptamer and polymeric phenylboronic acid (pPBA), we construct a unique polymer-coated Au nanoconstruct equipped with TNF-alpha aptamer and ATP aptamer. The formed phenylboronic ester and TNF-alpha aptamer in the nanoconstruct is capable of scavenging ROS and capturing of TNF-alpha, respectively. Thus, this combined characteristics enable the nanoconstruct an additive anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore, we demonstrate the high antiinflammatory effect of the nanoconstruct in vitro and in vivo using the peritonitis model by monitoring ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel nanoconstruct was designed to scavenge ROS and capture TNF-alpha for anti-inflammatory purposes. The nanoconstruct showed additive anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo, making it a promising candidate for peritonitis treatment.