Biomimetic ferritin nanocages for synergistic co-delivery of metformin and rapamycin restore neurodevelopmental homeostasis in autism spectrum disorders.

ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder with limited treatment options, largely due to its complex etiology and the inadequate delivery of therapeutics to the central nervous system. Herein, we report a novel biomimetic nanocomposite, HFn@M/R, designed for the synergistic co-delivery of metformin (Met) and rapamycin (Rapa) to restore neurodevelopmental homeostasis in ASD. Heavy-chain ferritin (HFn) nanocages, produced via an Escherichia coli expression system, were employed as a dual-drug carrier owing to their high drug loading capacity and intrinsic blood-brain barrier permeability via transferrin receptor 1 targeting. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization confirmed structural integrity, optimal drug loading, and redox/pH-responsive release

SUBMITTER: Shen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12519835 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature