Biomimetic Nanotherapies: Red Blood Cell Based Core-Shell Structured Nanocomplexes for Atherosclerosis Management
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Updated: Jan 21, 2026
Measuring Deformability and Red Cell Heterogeneity in Blood by Ektacytometry
Published on: January 12, 2018
Yi Wang1, Kang Zhang1, Xian Qin1
1Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants Bioengineering College of Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China.
Insights
Biomimetic nanoparticles cloaked with red blood cell membranes effectively deliver rapamycin to treat atherosclerosis. This novel nanotherapy reduces plaque progression and offers a promising, safe approach for cardiovascular disease management.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease, particularly atherosclerosis, is a major global health concern.
- Atherosclerosis involves plaque buildup, artery hardening, and narrowing.
- Current nanomaterial therapies for atherosclerosis face limitations due to rapid clearance by the mononuclear phagocytic system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an advanced drug delivery system for atherosclerosis treatment.
- To overcome the in vivo limitations of nanomaterials by enhancing their circulation time and targeting capabilities.
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of biomimetic nanoparticles for atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Rapamycin (RAP)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles were engineered.
- These nanoparticles were cloaked with red blood cell (RBC) membranes to create biomimetic nanocomplexes.
- The nanocomplexes' structure, surface properties, phagocytosis, plaque accumulation, and therapeutic effects were assessed in vivo.
Main Results:
- The biomimetic nanocomplexes exhibited a core-shell structure, favorable size, and negative surface charge.
- RBC membrane cloaking significantly reduced macrophage-mediated phagocytosis.
- Enhanced accumulation of nanoparticles within atherosclerotic plaques was observed, leading to targeted drug release.
- The nanotherapy effectively attenuated atherosclerosis progression with favorable safety profiles.
Conclusions:
- Biomimetic nanotherapy using RBC membrane-cloaked nanoparticles represents a significant advancement in atherosclerosis treatment.
- This approach enhances drug delivery efficiency and targeting to atherosclerotic lesions.
- The study highlights the potential of this nanotherapy as a safe and effective next-generation treatment for atherosclerosis.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis, one of the most common forms of the disease, is characterized by a gradual formation of atherosclerotic plaque, hardening, and narrowing of the arteries. Nanomaterials can serve as powerful delivery platforms for atherosclerosis treatment. However, their therapeutic efficacy is substantially limited in vivo due to nonspecific clearance by the mononuclear phagocytic system. In order to address this limitation, rapamycin (RAP)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles are cloaked with the cell membrane of red blood cells (RBCs), creating superior nanocomplexes with a highly complex functionalized bio-interface. The resulting biomimetic nanocomplexes exhibit a well-defined "core-shell" structure with favorable hydrodynamic size and negative surface charge. More importantly, the biomimetic nature of the RBC interface results in less macrophage-mediated phagocytosis in the blood and enhanced accumulation of nanoparticles in the established atherosclerotic plaques, thereby achieving targeted drug release. The biomimetic nanocomplexes significantly attenuate the progression of atherosclerosis. Additionally, the biomimetic nanotherapy approach also displays favorable safety properties. Overall, this study demonstrates the therapeutic advantages of biomimetic nanotherapy for atherosclerosis treatment, which holds considerable promise as a new generation of drug delivery system for safe and efficient management of atherosclerosis.
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