Design Strategy for a Hydroxide-Triggered pH-Responsive Hydrogel as a Mucoadhesive Barrier to Prevent Metabolism Disorders

Excess nutrient uptake is one of
the main factors of complications
related to metabolism disorders. Therefore, efforts have emerged to
modulate nutrient transport in the intestine. However, current approaches
are mainly invasive interventions with various side effects. Here,
a pH-responsive hydrogel is formulated by acidifying the hydroxide
compounds within sucralfate to allow electrostatic interactions between
pectin and aluminum ions. The pH responsiveness relies on the alternation
of cations and hydroxide species, providing reversible shifting from
a hydrogel to a complex coacervate system. It acts as a transient
physical barrier coating to inhibit intestinal absorption and changes
the viscosity and barrier function in different parts of the gastrointestinal
tract, showing enhanced mucoadhesive properties. The therapeutic hydrogel
remarkably lowers the immediate blood glucose response by modulating
nutrient contact with bowel mucosa, suggesting potential in treating
diabetes. In addition, it significantly reduces weight gain, fat accumulation,
and hepatic lipid deposition in rodent models. This study provides
a novel strategy for fabricating pH-responsive hydrogels, which may
serve as a competent candidate for metabolism disorder management.