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Published on: September 5, 2016
Unleashing the biomimetic targeting potential of platelet-derived nanocarriers on atherosclerosis
Nasrullah Jan1, Mohammad F Bostanudin2, Sedq A Moutraji2
1Department of Pharmacy, The University of Chenab, Gujrat 50700, Punjab, Pakistan.
Insights
Platelet-derived nanocarriers show promise for atherosclerosis treatment by mimicking platelet adhesion to plaques. These biomimetic carriers offer advantages like biocompatibility and drug delivery for cardiovascular disease therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a major global cause of mortality.
- Platelets (PLT) play a critical role in atherosclerosis development and plaque progression.
- Targeting atherosclerotic plaques effectively remains a challenge in cardiovascular disease treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of platelets in atherogenesis.
- To propose nanocarrier designs based on platelet-membrane coating and platelet-derived vesicles for atherosclerosis therapy.
- To highlight the potential of biomimetic nanocarriers for targeted plaque delivery.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of platelet function in atherosclerosis.
- Proposal of nanocarrier designs utilizing platelet membranes and vesicles.
- Analysis of nanocarrier targeting capabilities for atherosclerotic lesions.
Main Results:
- Platelet-derived nanocarriers exhibit excellent biocompatibility and prolonged circulation.
- These nanocarriers demonstrate effective targeting of impaired vascular sites and atherosclerotic plaques.
- They are suitable for delivering anti-atherosclerotic drugs and can target multiple plaque-related biological elements.
Conclusions:
- Platelet-derived nanocarriers represent a promising biomimetic strategy for atherosclerosis treatment.
- Further research into nanocarrier design and application is needed for effective clinical utilization.
- These nanocarriers offer a novel approach to combatting cardiovascular mortality.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis, the primary mechanism underlying the development of many cardiovascular illnesses, continues to be one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Platelet (PLT), which are essential for maintaining body homeostasis, have been strongly linked to the onset of atherosclerosis at various stages due to their inherent tendency to bind to atherosclerotic lesions and show an affinity for plaques. Therefore, mimicking PLT's innate adhesive features may be necessary to effectively target plaques. PLT-derived nanocarriers have emerged as a promising biomimetic targeting strategy for treating atherosclerosis due to their numerous advantages. These advantages include excellent biocompatibility, minimal macrophage phagocytosis, prolonged circulation time, targeting capability for impaired vascular sites, and suitability as carriers for anti-atherosclerotic drugs. Herein, we discuss the role of PLT in atherogenesis and propose the design of nanocarriers based on PLT-membrane coating and PLT-derived vesicles. These nanocarriers can target multiple biological elements relevant to plaque development. The review also emphasizes the current challenges and future research directions for the effective utilization of PLT-derived nanocarriers in treating atherosclerosis.
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