Evaluation of upconverting nanoparticles towards heart theranostics

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Cardiology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Controlled drug delivery to the heart is challenging due to off-target effects and poor drug retention.
• Novel nanomaterials are being developed for targeted cardiac drug delivery, but their cardiac effects are not well understood.
• Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) offer unique photophysical properties for imaging and controlled drug release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate the safety of upconverting NaYF4:Yb,Tm nanoparticles for cardiac drug delivery in mice.
• To assess the impact of UCNPs on cardiac function and tissue integrity after myocardial or pericardial injection.
• To determine the potential of UCNPs as theranostic tools for heart disease treatment.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of NaYF4:Yb,Tm upconverting nanoparticles.
• Intramyocardial and pericardial injection of UCNPs in mice.
• Assessment of cardiac function and heart rate variability over 15 days using echocardiography and ECG.
• Histological analysis of cardiac tissue.

Main Results:

• Injected UCNPs were retained in the cardiac region without causing adverse effects.
• No significant alterations in heart rate variability or cardiac function were observed over 15 days post-injection.
• UCNPs demonstrated innocuity, particularly when administered in the pericardial space.

Conclusions:

• Upconverting NaYF4:Yb,Tm nanoparticles are safe for cardiac administration in mice.
• These UCNPs can be utilized for controlled, spatiotemporal drug delivery to the heart.
• UCNPs represent promising theranostic tools for overcoming limitations in conventional cardiology treatments.