Apoptotic body-liposome hybrid nanoparticles with photothermal-enhanced blood-brain barrier penetration for radiation-induced brain injury therapy.

Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) is a severe brain disease caused by cranial radiotherapy or accidental radiation exposure. RIBI causes overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in oxidative injury to neurons and brain tissue and promoting neuroinflammation. Current treatments such as antioxidants, have limited efficacy due to limited penetration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and rapid metabolic clearance. This study developed Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles encapsulated in apoptotic body-hybrid liposomes to improve BBB penetration and ensure sustained antioxidative activity through controlled release of PB. PB serve as nanozymes for sustained ROS scavenging, while their photothermal response facilitates transient BBB modulation under near-infrared irradiation. Hybridization with apoptotic bodies provides a biomimetic membrane interface that supports cellular interactions and brain delivery. 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-modified DSPE-PEG2000 was incorporated through choline-related transport pathways for brain-targeted delivery. In vitro, PB@AbL showed approximately 55% DPPH radical-scavenging activity. In vivo, brain drug accumulation was increased by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Pharmacodynamic analysis showed reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increased glutathione (GSH) levels, improved neuronal survival, and cognitive function. This strategy offers a promising approach for the treatment of RIBI and other neurological disorders associated with oxidative stress.