Scheme 1

Schematic illustration of the fabrication of DNase-NZ and their application in the treatment of colitis. a DNase-NZ was fabricated using the synthetic polymer PLGA as the core. Polydopamine was used as a bio-adhesive coating for the conjugation of DNase-I. Nanozymes were PEGylated to improve their stability in vivo. b The negative surface charge of DNase-NZ allows passive recruitment to the damaged colon epithelium. Infiltrated particles attenuate NET-associated inflammations by inhibiting NET accumulation and interrupting the immune cascade. The inset demonstrates the advantage of DNase-NZ. With improved stability and enzyme activity, DNase-NZ can successfully degrade NET structures at inflamed sites while free DNase-I is rapidly cleared from the host environment. Scheme created using BioRender.com. PLGA, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid); DSS, dextran sodium sulfate; NET, neutrophil extracellular trap