Folate-Functionalized ROS-Scavenging Covalent Organic Framework for Oral Targeted Delivery of Ferulic Acid in Ulcerative Colitis

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) involves chronic colon inflammation and oxidative stress. Treating UC is challenging due to systemic drug side effects and poor targeted delivery. Nanocarriers responsive to the UC microenvironment, particularly elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), could overcome these limitations. This study developed an oral delivery system for ROS-triggered drug release and active targeting. Using ferulic acid (FER), a system was designed to enhance site-specific accumulation and therapeutic efficacy against colitis. Methods: A ROS-sensitive covalent organic framework (COF) was synthesized from γ-cyclodextrin and functionalized with folic acid (FA) to create a carrier (COF-FA) designed for potential active targeting. This carrier was loaded with FER to form FER@COF-FA. The system was characterized (SEM, FTIR, TGA), and its ROS scavenging and sustained drug release profiles were confirmed in vitro. Biocompatibility was evaluated in cell lines, and therapeutic efficacy was tested in a DSS-induced murine colitis model. Results: The synthesized FER@COF-FA demonstrated high drug loading, potent ROS-scavenging capability, and a sustained drug release profile. It showed excellent biocompatibility and, in the murine model, significantly outperformed free FER. Treatment alleviated disease severity, prevented colon shortening, restored healthy tissue histology, and rebalanced pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusions: The FER@COF-FA system represents a highly promising therapeutic strategy for UC. Its superior efficacy is attributed to a synergistic multi-mechanism approach, combining sustained release, ROS-responsive drug delivery, intrinsic antioxidant activity, and potential folate receptor-mediated targeting, which collectively enhance site-specific accumulation and therapeutic outcomes in the inflammatory colon microenvironment.