Melanin-based Biomimic Photothermal Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Application in Diabetic Nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a frequent and severe microvascular complication associated with diabetes mellitus. A novel melanin-based biomimic photothermal nanoparticles, glucose-PEG2000-DSPE ligand modified red blood cell membrane vesicle encapsulated melanin (Glu-RBCm-melanin) was applied for diabetic nephropathy. Our results of renal targeting evaluation showed that Glu-RBCm-melanin could be specifically transported by over-expressed glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) on membrane of glomerular mesangial cells and achieve excellent kidney targeted drug delivery. In addition, the results of photothermal therapy in DN rats demonstrated that Glu-RBCm-melanin could promote glomerular mesangial cell apoptosis and restrain glomerular mesangial cell hyperproliferation after near-infrared irradiation to protect the kidney as a therapeutic drug for diabetic nephropathy.