Adipose-precise delivery of microwave-derived soybean lecithin-polypyrrole nano-pufferfish-shaped nanoparticle for localized NIR-photothermal therapy in managing obesity

Obesity is a major global health issue, and current treatments targeting appetite suppression or fat absorption often have limited effectiveness and adverse side effects. Localized therapies with minimal systemic toxicity are needed to address obesity's underlying causes. We developed a photothermal therapy using intraperitoneally (IP) administered microwave-derived soybean lecithin-polypyrrole nanoparticles with a nano-pufferfish shape, responsive to near-infrared (NIR) light. This therapy directly targets adipose tissue to induce apoptosis, providing localized treatment with minimized side effects. Compared to untreated or NIR-only control groups, this method changed adipocyte metabolic activity. It also increased the expression of biomarkers, indicating activation of stress pathways that contribute to anti-obesity effects. This localized, adipose-targeted photothermal therapy significantly improves metabolism while minimizing systemic toxicity. It holds promise for long-term, self-administered obesity management, offering an effective, low-risk alternative to conventional treatments.