Hydrogen Nanogel Kills H. pylori Bacteria and Heals Stomach Damage
- Authors
- Xiaoyi Zheng, Yijie Xie, Linlin Zhao, Xiaojuan Huang, Shige Wang, Yongkang Lai, Peng Fan, Yanbo Zeng, Jiulong Zhao, Zhaoshen Li
- Journal
- International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
- Year
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.149171
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- H. pylori Infection
- Body System
- Digestive
TL;DR
A hydrogen-releasing zinc–chitosan nanogel effectively eradicated H. pylori, repaired gastric tissue, and preserved gut microbiota in infected mice.
Key Finding
A zinc and hydrogen-releasing nanogel eliminated 97.54% of H. pylori bacteria in infected mice while simultaneously promoting stomach lining repair and preserving beneficial gut bacteria.
Summary
Researchers created tiny particles made from chitosan (a natural polymer), zinc, and other compounds that release hydrogen gas and zinc ions in the stomach. When tested in mice infected with H. pylori (a bacteria that causes stomach ulcers), the nanogel killed 97.5% of the bacteria, reduced inflammation, and helped the stomach lining heal while maintaining healthy gut bacteria—unlike standard antibiotics.
Practical Takeaway
This is early-stage research conducted only in mice, so it cannot yet be applied to humans. The results are promising for a potential future H. pylori treatment that might work differently than current antibiotics, but many more studies—including human trials—would be needed before this approach could be used clinically.
Abstract
This study developed a chitosan (CS)‑sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP)‑zinc (Zn) nanogel for treating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) through synergistic antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and mucosal repair mechanisms. The nanogel was synthesized via an emulsion method, leveraging electrostatic interactions between CS amino groups and TPP phosphate ions, followed by Zn incorporation. Characterization revealed uniform spherical nanoparticles (~200 nm) with high Zn content (20.18 %) and controlled hydrogen (H2) and Zn2+ release (15 h) in acidic environments. In vitro assays demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against H. pylori (95.83 % inhibition at pH = 2; 28.54 % inhibition at pH = 7) attributed to Zn2+-mediated enzyme disruption. The nanogel exhibited significant antioxidant capacity, scavenging 82.3 % of PTIO and 65.48 % of DPPH radicals. Biocompatibility testing confirmed minimal haemolysis (95 %). In vivo studies in H. pylori -infected mice demonstrated a bacterial inhibition rate of 97.54 % through upregulation of β-catenin and tight junction proteins. Concurrently, mucosal repair was enhanced, achieving migration rates of 44.2 ± 5.6 % and 72.34 ± 2.1 % at 12 and 24 h respectively. The nanogel also preserved gut microbiota diversity post-treatment, unlike conventional antibiotics. This multifunctional nanogel platform combines biocompatibility, ease of manufacture and dual therapeutic effects. In summary, this study proposes a multifunctional therapeutic strategy capable of simultaneously addressing H. pylori infection, gastric inflammation and mucosal damage. It offers a paradigm shift from traditional antibiotic-centred therapies, providing a promising strategy for eradicating Helicobacter pylori and restoring gastric injury.