A nano-enabled biotinylated anti-LDL theranostic system to modulate systemic LDL cholesterol

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality, with high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol contributing to atherosclerosis.
• Current detection and treatment methods for high LDL cholesterol require improvement for effective disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an intra-vascular implantable sensor and drug delivery device (IVISDDD) for simultaneous detection of LDL and targeted drug delivery.
• To assess the efficacy of the IVISDDD in modulating systemic LDL cholesterol levels in a large animal model.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of fenofibrate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) coated with anti-oxidized LDL antibodies.
• Implantation of the IVISDDD, containing the anti-LDL SLNs, into the jugular vein of Large White pigs.
• Monitoring of fenofibrate release and cholesterol level modulation in response to LDL complex uptake and degradation.

Main Results:

• The IVISDDD demonstrated modulated fenofibrate release in vivo.
• Significant reduction in total cholesterol (29.9%) and LDL levels (37.4%) was observed.
• An increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels was also noted.

Conclusions:

• The developed IVISDDD functions as an effective anti-LDL theranostic system.
• The device shows potential for detecting circulating biomarkers and delivering lipophilic drugs for cardiovascular disease management.