journal article·2026-07-20Open access

Disrupting Helicobacter pylori Iron Homeostasis With Bismuth Nanodrug‐Mediated Nutritional Trap for Targeted Gastric Infection Therapy

Tianye Fang, Jinzhe Tong, Feng Feng, Cong Liu, Chang Shu, Jiaying Zhu, Shibo Zhang, Shuyue Deng, Wanchao Zuo, Yuhan Song, Jun Yang, Yanmin Ju, Yingying Xing, Jianjun Dai

Abstract

ABSTRACT Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) is a leading cause of gastric cancer, but current antibiotic‐based therapies face challenges like low eradication rates, high recurrence, and intestinal flora disruption. Iron is critical for H. pylori ’s survival and pathogenicity, as the bacterium relies on maintaining iron homeostasis for normal proliferation, metabolism, and colonization of the stomach. Inspired by this, we propose a “nutritional trap” strategy, using bismuth as “fake iron” to trick the H. pylori ’s iron‐uptake system, triggering iron starvation. We then developed a bismuth‐based nanodrug (Bi‐TP@FU, TBF) modified with tea polyphenols and fucoidan for enhanced H. pylori targeting and gastric mucosal penetration. TBF targets and adheres to the surface of H. pylori by binding to the BabA protein, then induces iron starvation and metabolic disorders through competition between bismuth and iron, ultimately killing multidrug‐resistant strains without inducing resistance. Interestingly, TBF selectively eliminated pathogens while preserving probiotics, thus maintaining intestinal flora balance, which is superior to quadruple therapy. This novel oral TBF, which relies on a nutritional trap‐based bactericidal strategy, offers a new option for antibiotic alternative therapy of bacterial infections.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Helicobacter pylori-related gastroenterology studies · Gut microbiota and health · Iron Metabolism and Disorders

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing China

School of Life Science and Technology China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing China

Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing China

Nanjing Institute for Food and Drug Control Nanjing China

MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety Key Laboratory of Animal Bacteriology Ministry of Agriculture College of Veterinary Medicine Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China

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