A biomimetic platelet based on assembling peptides initiates artificial coagulation.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Platelets are crucial for regulating blood coagulation.
• Mimicking platelet function for artificial coagulation in vivo remains a significant challenge.
• Tumor angiogenesis involves overexpressed membrane glycoproteins like CD105 on endothelial cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop platelet-like nanoparticles (pNPs) capable of initiating coagulation and forming artificial clots in vivo.
• To target pNPs to tumor sites via specific ligand-receptor interactions.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pNPs for artificial coagulation and potential tumor therapy.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of platelet-like nanoparticles (pNPs) using self-assembling peptides.
• Specific targeting of pNPs to CD105-overexpressing endothelial cells in tumor vasculature.
• In situ transformation of pNPs into activated platelet-like nanofibers (apNFs) upon ligand-receptor binding.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of clot formation in phantom and animal models.
• Assessment of pNP safety in mice, focusing on systemic coagulation.

Main Results:

• pNPs specifically bind to CD105 on tumor-associated endothelial cells.
• Ligand-receptor interactions trigger pNP transformation into apNFs, initiating a cascade of clot formation.
• Artificial clots were successfully formed in both phantom and animal models.
• pNPs demonstrated safety in mice, without inducing systemic coagulation.

Conclusions:

• Self-assembling peptide-based pNPs effectively mimic platelet function for in vivo artificial coagulation.
• This approach provides a promising therapeutic strategy for targeting tumors by inducing localized artificial clotting.
• The targeted and self-assembling nature of pNPs offers a novel platform for hemostatic and therapeutic applications.