Development of a multifunctional polymer-based delivery system for anionic dye capture and emodin-mediated anti-inflammatory therapy in ARDS

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a critical clinical challenge due to uncontrolled pulmonary inflammation and limited treatment options. To improve the solubility and therapeutic performance of emodin, we constructed a multifunctional porous delivery platform, CMCS-1-TMPSA@CP1@Emo, by integrating polymeric silicate (TMPSA), a coordination polymer (CP1), and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) modified with an emodin derivative. Prior to drug loading, the composite exhibited strong adsorption affinity toward anionic dyes, demonstrating excellent molecular recognition, rapid adsorption kinetics, and high recyclability. Emodin was effectively loaded into the carrier with a capacity of 0.24 g/g, showing stable release behavior and enhanced aqueous dispersibility. In Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated alveolar epithelial cells, CMCS-1-TMPSA@CP1@Emo significantly improved cytoprotection, effectively suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and upregulated anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels, surpassing the performance of free emodin. These findings highlight CMCS-1-TMPSA@CP1@Emo as a promising nanoplatform for the targeted and sustained delivery of natural therapeutics in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) treatment.