Photoelectric Response-Nanomachines for Alleviating Aristolochic Acid Nephropathy.

BACKGROUND

Aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) exhibits direct and irreversible tubular epithelial cell toxicity, posing multiple therapeutic challenges. To address this, we have developed a class of biocompatible nanomachines for active treatment of AAN.

METHODS

PEG@Ni@MoS2 (PNM) nanoparticle-based mobile nanomachines, featuring a composite architecture where nickel (Ni) is deposited on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) followed by polyethylene glycol (PEG5000) modification, indicate photoelectric response characteristics based on their ion-sputtering construction.

RESULTS

These nanomachines exhibit spontaneous self-propulsion in PBS solution under 660 nm irradiation. This proactive H2/O2 discharge was observed in vitro and may contribute to alleviating renal injury, potentially via modulation of endogenous electric fields, though such currents have not yet been detected in vivo. The amelioration of ferroptosis and the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway appears to support renal function homeostasis.

CONCLUSION

The proposed nanomachine system, with its photoelectric response, locomotory behavior, and active H2/O2 release, represents a promising platform for AAN treatment. However, direct in vivo evidence of current generation and distribution remains to be established, and the proposed electro-modulatory mechanism should be considered hypothetical pending further validation.