Phlorizin-integrated magnetic pollen micromotors for diabetes complication management

Phlorizin (PHZ) is a compound naturally found in apples, hawthorns and other plants, which shows potential in treating diabetes and its complications. However, its intestinal stability and precise targeted release ability remain challenging. Herein, we proposed a PHZ-integrated magnetic pollen micromotor for the treatment of diabetes combined with intestinal inflammation, which can well solve these problems and achieve the goal of effective drug release. We used porous pollen to load PHZ and then wrapped it with a calcium alginate (CaAlg) shell. Additionally, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles were incorporated to enhance the movement and retention of the micromotors in the intestine through magnetic control. Based on these characteristics, the PHZ-integrated magnetic pollen micromotors exhibited promising efficacy in the treatment of diabetes combined with intestinal inflammation, including reducing blood glucose and achieving anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These results demonstrated that the proposed magnetic pollen micromotor delivery system has great potential for clinical gastrointestinal drug delivery.