Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains a major health challenge, and although fucoxanthin (Fx) shows therapeutic potential, its poor stability and low bioavailability limit clinical application. In this study, a novel delivery system for Fx, a marine-derived xanthophyll carotenoid with anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective properties, was developed by encapsulating it within coaxial electrospun nanofibers. GZ12/ZFx exhibited uniform morphology with a distinct core–shell structure and superior encapsulation efficiency, coaxial electrospinning increased the Fx encapsulation by 1.17 times. In a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model, GZ12/ZFx significantly outperformed free fucoxanthin and uniaxial nanofibers in improving metabolic parameters, reducing hepatic lipid accumulation, and modulating gut microbiota. The GZ12/Fx group limited weight increase to 3.64 g, while GZ12/ZFx performed only 3.02 g gain. The measurement results of lipid-related indicators in the serum indicated that the intervention of GZ12/ZFx was much more effective than that of GZ12/Fx. The reduction rates of TC and TG were 1.17 times and 1.75 times higher, respectively. The advanced delivery systems significantly enhanced the bioactivity of Fx, demonstrating improved metabolic outcomes and favorable safety profiles. These findings provide insights into designing effective food-grade delivery systems for hydrophobic bioactives and their potential in the intervention of NAFLD.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease. It is characterized by multisystem involvement and potential damage to multiple organs, especially the kidneys, resulting in a substantial clinical burden. Current treatment strategies, including corticosteroids, biologics, and immunosuppressives, are often limited by their limited efficacy and side effects. Increasing evidence suggests that dysregulated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and systemic inflammatory responses are closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of SLE. This suggests a potential immunomodulatory target. Inspired by the human immune niche, we developed a novel Chinese herbal hydrogel for lupus immunotherapy. By combining Rhein and deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) with photo-crosslinkable hyaluronic acid, an injectable traditional Chinese medicine hydrogel was obtained. After subcutaneous injection, it can sustainably release active herbal ingredients, regulate systemic inflammation and effectively clear NETs. In vivo studies have shown that biomimetic hydrogels can not only improve systemic symptoms but also control renal lesions through sustained systemic intervention therapy. Hydrogel treatment can significantly alleviate the pathological changes related to lupus, reduce the level of inflammatory factors, and expand the number of regulatory T cells. It also improved immune cell infiltration and progression of lupus nephritis, emphasizing its ability to restore systemic immune homeostasis. Notably, transcriptome analysis revealed that hydrogels attenuate SLE by orchestrating down-regulation of neutrophil function and pathogenic processes of inflammation while enhancing antioxidant defense and immunomodulatory signaling. These findings suggest that the traditional Chinese herbal hydrogel system exhibits significant therapeutic potential as a biomimetic immune niche for SLE and may provide a promising platform for lupus treatment.

Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is characterized by an abnormal vaginal microbiome accompanied by increased inflammatory responses, and well-known to be associated with high risk of preterm delivery. Local therapy offers a simple manner for the targeted treatment of AV, and nevertheless, the treatment effect is not satisfactory due to various factors. Herein, we present a novel sprayable nanozyme dressing with high anti-microbial and anti-inflammation capabilities for AV treatment, which is proved to improve pregnancy outcomes. The dressing is constituted of nanoenzyme, gelatin and nano-chitosan gel, which can be conveniently administrated in the form of a dry powder and formulate a dense hydrogel barrier at the site of action. Due to the natural characteristics of nano-chitosan, it can be electrostatically adsorbed on the surface of bacterial biofilm for sterilization, so viscous hydrogels have inherent antibacterial activity. The cerium oxide nanozyme wrapped in this dressing possesses the multiple enzyme-like properties with outstanding free radical scavenging activity and anti-inflammatory effects. It is worth mentioning that this dressing has shown significant therapeutic effects in the practical performances of AV mice. The dressing exhibited the significant anti-microbial effects, suggesting its high activity even in acidic environment. Moreover, the inflammatory responses are alleviated by promoted tissue repair, reduced proinflammatory cytokines and modulation of vaginal microbiome. More importantly, the treated mice displayed the restored reproductive function and the increased pregnancy rate. These results indicated that the present sprayable nanozyme dressing may be an ideal candidate for local therapy of AV as well as other gynecological diseases.

As the largest organ in the human body, the skin protects the body from pathogens and harmful substances through physical, chemical, and immune barrier functions. However, accurately replicating the complex physiology of human skin in mouse models remains a significant challenge. Accurately replicating the complex physiology of human skin in mouse models remains a significant challenge, making the development of bionic artificial skin particularly important. In recent years, skin organoid and skin-on-a-chip technologies have greatly enhanced in vitro skin modeling, overcoming many limitations of traditional approaches. In this review, we comprehensively summarize important advances in research on skin organoids and skin-on-a-chip. First, we present the anatomical structures and functional roles of the different skin layers. We then highlight current construction techniques and research findings on skin organoids and skin-on-a-chip. We then discuss in detail the biomedical applications of these emerging technologies. However, current models of skin organoids and skin-on-a-chip still have limitations. Therefore, we summarize the key challenges and explore strategies to improve the complexity and maturation of skin models via the precise control over the microenvironment. In the future, with the advancement of bioengineering technology, skin organoids, and skin-on-a-chip will provide more powerful tools for skin disease research and treatment.