Aptamer-functionalized-nanoflower loading allicin ameliorates obesity through regulating adipose tissue energy expenditure

The aptamer-functionalized nanoflower-allicin delivery system (NFA) constructed with the adipo-8 aptamer can load allicin and target adipose tissue. This delivery strategy is considered to have a more significant effect on promoting the beiging of adipocytes. However, there has been limited research on the biological impact of NFA on brown adipose tissue (BAT). The study focuses on the regulatory effect of NFA on energy metabolism in brown adipose tissue. Compared to free allicin, NFA demonstrated a superior effect in upregulating genes associated with the activation of BAT, thermogenesis, and batokines, which can promote the beiging of WAT. This suggests that NFA accelerates fatty acid catabolism by increasing the thermogenic activity of adipose tissue throughout the body. The results of the biosafety assessment indicated that NFA demonstrates good biocompatibility and minimal side effects. In summary, our data suggest that NFA shows promise in treating obesity and provides a theoretical basis for its use in obesity treatment.