A hydrogel-based nanoparticles sustained-release system selectively targeting pro-inflammatory microglia for spinal cord injury repair.

J Control Release

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410078, China. Electronic address:

Published: August 2025


Category Ranking

98%

Total Visits

921

Avg Visit Duration

2 minutes

Citations

20

Article Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in irreversible neurological deficits, primarily due to chronic neuroinflammation driven by activated proinflammatory microglia. Effective therapeutic interventions require both precise targeting of pathological immune cells and sustained modulation of the inflammatory microenvironment. Here, we present a cell specific, hydrogel-based nanoparticle system (MG1-MM@Candesartan-Gel) designed for the selective and prolonged delivery of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist Candesartan to proinflammatory microglia. The platform integrates microglia membrane-coated liposomes functionalized with MG1 peptides to achieve high-affinity targeting, while encapsulation within an injectable, photo crosslinked hydrogel enables localized, sustained release. In a mouse model of SCI, MG1-MM@Candesartan-Gel effectively reprogrammed microglial phenotypes, attenuated neuroinflammation and scar formation, promoted axonal regeneration and vascular remodeling, and significantly enhanced functional recovery. Importantly, selective microglial targeting minimizes endothelial uptake of Candesartan, reducing potential vascular side effects. This biomimetic delivery strategy provides a promising approach for precision modulation of neuroinflammation and targeted neural repair following CNS injury.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jconrel.2025.114180DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

spinal cord
8
cord injury
8
proinflammatory microglia
8
hydrogel-based nanoparticles
4
nanoparticles sustained-release
4
sustained-release system
4
system selectively
4
targeting
4
selectively targeting
4
targeting pro-inflammatory
4

Similar Publications

CETN3 deficiency induces microcephaly by disrupting neural stem/progenitor cell fate through impaired centrosome assembly and RNA splicing.

EMBO Mol Med

September 2025

Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Medical Innovation Center and State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai East Hospital, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center & Ministry of Education Stem Cell Resource Center, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Li

Primary microcephaly, a rare congenital condition characterized by reduced brain size, occurs due to impaired neurogenesis during brain development. Through whole-exome sequencing, we identified compound heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in CENTRIN 3 (CETN3) in a 5-year-old patient with primary microcephaly. As CETN3 has not been previously linked to microcephaly, we investigated its potential function in neurodevelopment in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cerebral organoids.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Study Design: Concurrent mixed methods case series.

Objectives: To examine the feasibility and effect of a peer-facilitated, remote handcycling sport program on physical, psychological, and social health of individuals with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) aged ≥50 years.

Setting: Participants' homes.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) leads to partial or complete sensorimotor loss because of the spinal lesions caused either by trauma or any pathological conditions. Rehabilitation, one of the therapeutic methods, is considered to be a significant part of therapy supporting patients with spinal cord injury. Newer methods are being incorporated, such as repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), a Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) technique to induce changes in the residual neuronal pathways, facilitating cortical excitability and neuroplasticity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background And Objectives: Myelitis is a relatively common clinical entity for neurologists, with diverse underlying causes. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of myelitis, its causes, clinical presentation, and factors predicting functional outcomes and relapses.

Methods: Using the Swedish National Patient Registry, we identified all adult patients in Stockholm County between 2008 and 2018 using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) codes likely to include myelitis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Study Design: A retrospective study with a crossover design.

Objectives: Maintaining mean arterial pressure (MAP) is crucial in the early management of SCI, yet the role of oral midodrine in this setting remains unclear. This study evaluates whether midodrine facilitates IV vasopressor weaning within 24 hours of initiation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF