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Published on: October 16, 2017
Bionanoengineered 2D monoelemental selenene for piezothrombolysis
Hui Hu1, Lili Xia2, Junfeng Wang3
1Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210004, PR China; Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, PR China; Medmaterial Research Center, Jiangsu University Affiliated People's Hospital, Zhenjiang, 212002, PR China.
Platelet membrane-conjugated selenene nanosheets offer a novel, non-drug approach to dissolve blood clots. Ultrasound activates these piezocatalytic materials, generating reactive oxygen species for safe and effective thrombolysis without bleeding risks.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Chemistry
Background:
- Thrombosis is a major global health concern, leading to significant disability and death.
- Current thrombolytic therapies face limitations including narrow therapeutic windows, short half-lives, and bleeding complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a safe and effective non-pharmaceutical strategy for thrombolysis using piezocatalysis.
- To engineer platelet membrane (PM)-conjugated two-dimensional (2D) piezoelectric selenene nanosheets (Se-PM NSs) with thrombus-homing capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 2D selenene via liquid-phase exfoliation of bulk selenium.
- Conjugation of platelet membrane (PM) to selenene nanosheets (NSs).
- In vitro and in vivo evaluation of Se-PM NSs for thrombolysis under ultrasound activation.
Main Results:
- Se-PM NSs demonstrated efficient degradation of erythrocytes, fibrin, and artificial blood clots under ultrasound.
- The piezocatalytic effect of selenene generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the thrombosis microenvironment.
- Se-PM NSs showed superior thrombolytic efficacy compared to urokinase plasminogen activator in an animal model, with no observed bleeding risk.
Conclusions:
- Engineered Se-PM NSs present a promising biocompatible nanoplatform for ultrasound-triggered piezocatalytic thrombolysis.
- This strategy offers a safe and efficient alternative to conventional thrombolytic drugs.
- The study highlights the potential of piezocatalysis in clinical thrombosis treatment.
