Catalase catalyzed tannic acid-Fe3+ network coating: A theranostic strategy for intestinal barrier restoration

Abstract

Epithelial barrier impairment of intestinal inflammation leads to the leakage of bacteria, antigens and consequent persistent immune imbalance. Restoring the barrier function holds promise for management of intestinal inflammation, while the theragnostic strategies are limited. In this study, we developed a novel coating by catalase (CAT)-catalyzed polymerization of tannic acid (TA) and combined chelation network with Fe³⁺. TA-Fe³⁺ coating was self-polymerized in situ along the small intestinal mucosa, demonstrating persistent adhesion properties and protective function. In enteritis models, sequential administration of TA-Fe³⁺ complex solution effectively restored the barrier function and alleviated the intestinal inflammation. Overexpressed CAT in inflammatory lesion is more favorable for the in situ targeting growth of TA-Fe³⁺ coating onto the defective barrier. Based on the high longitudinal relaxivity of Fe³⁺, the pathologically catalyzed coating facilitated the visualization of intestinal barrier impairment through MRI. In conclusion, the novel TA-Fe³⁺ delivery coating proposed an alternative approach to promote theranostic intervention for intestinal diseases.

Keywords: Intestinal barrier impairment; Intestinal coating; Tannic acid.