# Platelet membrane-camouflaged matrine biomimetic nanoparticles for efficient acute lung injury therapy

## TL;DR

Researchers created platelet-coated nanoparticles to deliver a Chinese herbal compound for treating lung injury, improving targeting and reducing toxicity.

## Contribution

A novel biomimetic nanoparticle platform using platelet membranes to enhance targeted delivery of matrine for acute lung injury therapy.

## Key findings

- PM@Mat-NPs reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and histological damage in an ALI mouse model.
- PM@Mat-NPs suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and apoptosis more effectively than free matrine.
- Biosafety evaluations showed no significant adverse effects of PM@Mat-NPs.

## Abstract

Sepsis frequently progresses to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which are associated with high mortality. Current treatments face limitations due to resistance and toxicity. Matrine, a component of traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties but suffers from poor selectivity and potential toxicity. To address these challenges, this study developed platelet membrane-coated matrine nanoparticles (PM@Mat-NPs) for targeted ALI treatment. The PM@Mat-NPs, characterized by a particle size of ∼500 nm, zeta potential of −58 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 82.1 ± 1.5%, effectively inhibited LPS-induced endothelial cell damage in vitro. In an ALI mouse model, PM@Mat-NPs selectively accumulated in inflamed lung tissue, significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and alleviated histological damage. They also suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and apoptosis, outperforming free matrine. Biosafety evaluations confirmed no significant adverse effects. This study introduces a biomimetic nano-platform for the targeted delivery of Chinese herbal components, offering a promising strategy for treating acute lung injury.

•Mat-NPs achieve efficacy enhancement and toxicity in ALI treatment•The property of platelets enables nanoparticles to target lung inflammation•Nasal administration is convenient and reduces the systemic toxic side effects•The abundance and easy accessibility of platelets favor their clinical translation

Mat-NPs achieve efficacy enhancement and toxicity in ALI treatment

The property of platelets enables nanoparticles to target lung inflammation

Nasal administration is convenient and reduces the systemic toxic side effects

The abundance and easy accessibility of platelets favor their clinical translation

Therapeutics; Drug delivery system; Pharmacology; Nanoparticles; Biological sciences; Materials science; Biomaterials