Engineered polymer micelles with tunable gas release for effective reduction of local fat deposits - 18/08/26

Abstract |
Demand is rising for non-surgical, site-specific fat reduction. This study presents fully organic biodegradable polymer micelles capable of intrinsic carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) gas generation for adipocytolysis. Amphiphilic methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) derivatives containing tri-carbonate groups (mPEG-T-OC) are synthesized to enhance CO 2 release. These amphiphilic polymers form micellar structures and exhibit sustained CO 2 release profiles under physiological conditions. To improve adipose tissue uptake, micelles are functionalized with nona‑arginine (r9), a cell-penetrating peptide that promotes macropinocytosis (r9‑PEG‑T‑OC micelles). Hydrolytic CO 2 released from micelles disrupts plasma membranes and induces necrosis of adipocytes and adipose‑derived stem cells in vitro. In obese mice, subcutaneous injection of r9‑PEG‑T‑OC micelles achieves significant local fat pad reduction without systemic toxicity, with prolonged retention in adipose tissue and reduced off-target accumulation. This gas‑generating platform functions without additional drugs or inorganic compounds, offering an innovative strategy for localized adipose tissue reduction and demonstrating the therapeutic potential of polymer-based intracellular gas delivery systems.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical Abstract |
Highlights |
• | Tri-armed mPEG-octyl carbonates form enhanced CO 2 -generating micelles. |
• | r9-peptide facilitates cellular uptake and adipose tissue retention. |
• | Gas-generating micelles trigger adipocytolysis to reduce fat pads. |
• | This system enables ultrasound-guided, localized adipose tissue reduction. |
Keywords : Gas-generation, Polymeric micelle, Poly(ethylene glycol), Localized fat reduction, Cell-penetrating peptide, Adipocyte necrosis
Plan
Vol 202
Article 119767- septembre 2026 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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