Sodium ferulate-functionalized silver nanopyramides with synergistic antithrombotic activity for thromboprophylaxis

Thrombosis is one of the feared complications contributing to death in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Ferulic acid (FA), a bioactive compound extracted from traditional Chinese medicines, has drawn tremendous attention in prevention and treatment of thrombosis because of its notable antithrombotic potency. However, the poor aqueous solubility and pharmacokinetic profile of FA limit its clinical use. In this study, sodium ferulate-functionalized silver nanopyramides (SF-pAgNPs) with narrow size distribution were synthesized to overcome these obstacles and enhance the suppression effect of platelet activation and thrombosis formation. The cytotoxicity and hemolysis assays demonstrated that the prepared nanopyramides have a favorable biocompatibility pattern. In vitro studies revealed that SF-pAgNPs could effectively suppress platelet activation, aggregation and adhesion through the synergetic antithrombotic potential of SF and nano silver. Furthermore, SF-pAgNPs exhibited potent antithrombotic activity and prolonged inhibitory effect, much better than PEG-Ag and free SF in mouse model. With enhanced antithrombotic effect and acceptable biocompatibility, we believe the sodium ferulate-functionalized silver nanopyramides might hold the potential to be a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis.