Taraxacum-Based Carbon Dots Mitigate Hyperuricemia by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Reinstating Intestinal Microbiota Homeostasis

Given the rising global prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA) cases and the side effects associated with current therapeutic or management strategies, there is a growing need for safe, stable, and nontoxic alternative treatments. Using taraxacum as a carbon source, this study synthesized taraxacum-derived carbon dots (T.CDs) that exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The structure and antioxidant capacity of T.CDs were thoroughly characterized. In vitro cell experiments and in vivo assays using Caenorhabditis elegans demonstrated that T.CDs alleviated HUA by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, in HK-2 cells, T.CDs were found to upregulate ABCG2 expression and downregulate URAT1, providing an additional mechanism for their anti-HUA effect. Animal studies confirmed that T.CDs not only mitigated HUA but also repaired renal injury by modulating renal Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ levels. Additionally, T.CDs modulated the gut microbiota composition and restored short-chain fatty acid production. These findings highlight the significant potential of T.CDs as nanotherapeutics for HUA management.