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Published on: November 17, 2017
Nanoparticle Functionalization with Platelet Membrane Enables Multifactored Biological Targeting and Detection of
Xiaoli Wei1, Man Ying1, Diana Dehaini1
1Department of NanoEngineering, Department of Bioengineering, and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego , La Jolla, California 92093, United States.
Insights
Researchers developed novel biomimetic nanoparticles that target multiple elements involved in atherosclerosis development. These nanoparticles enable noninvasive imaging for better assessment and management of cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of mortality.
- Atherosclerosis, a primary driver of CVD, involves arterial plaque buildup.
- Effective, noninvasive imaging is crucial for understanding atherosclerosis development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design nanocarriers targeting multiple biological factors in atherosclerosis.
- To leverage platelet membrane biomimicry for targeted delivery.
- To enable noninvasive imaging of early and advanced atherosclerotic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of biomimetic nanoparticles by coating synthetic cores with platelet membranes.
- Evaluation of nanoparticle interaction with activated endothelium, foam cells, and collagen.
- Demonstration of plaque localization and subclinical region targeting in an atherosclerosis animal model.
- In vivo detection using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a contrast agent.
Main Results:
- Platelet membrane-coated nanoparticles selectively targeted atherosclerotic plaque.
- Nanoparticles demonstrated efficacy in targeting both developed plaque and susceptible arterial regions.
- The targeting and localization effects were exclusive to the biomimetic nanoparticles.
- Successful live detection of atherosclerosis was achieved using MRI in an animal model.
Conclusions:
- Biomimetic nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for noninvasive atherosclerosis imaging.
- This approach can potentially improve early detection and disease management.
- Targeting multiple atherogenic factors enhances imaging capabilities for cardiovascular disease assessment.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease represents one of the major causes of death across the global population. Atherosclerosis, one of its most common drivers, is characterized by the gradual buildup of arterial plaque over time, which can ultimately lead to life-threatening conditions. Given the impact of the disease on public health, there is a great need for effective and noninvasive imaging modalities that can provide valuable information on its biological underpinnings during development. Here, we leverage the role of platelets in atherogenesis to design nanocarriers capable of targeting multiple biological elements relevant to plaque development. Biomimetic nanoparticles are prepared by coating platelet membrane around a synthetic nanoparticulate core, the product of which is capable of interacting with activated endothelium, foam cells, and collagen. The effects are shown to be exclusive to platelet membrane-coated nanoparticles. These biomimetic nanocarriers are not only capable of efficiently localizing to well-developed atherosclerotic plaque, but can also target subclinical regions of arteries susceptible to plaque formation. Using a commonly employed magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent, live detection is demonstrated using an animal model of atherosclerosis. Ultimately, this strategy may be leveraged to better assess the development of atherosclerosis, offering additional information to help clinicians better manage the disease.
