Engineering Hyperechogenic Colloids with Clot-Targeting Capabilities from Platelet-Derived Membranes

Area of Science:

• Nanobiotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Thrombosis-related cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of global mortality.
• Early diagnosis and targeted therapy for thrombotic disorders remain critical clinical challenges.
• Conventional nanoparticles face limitations in specificity and imaging capabilities for thrombosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize Platelet Membrane-Derived Bubbles (PMBs) for advanced thrombosis diagnosis and therapy.
• To evaluate the ultrasound imaging properties and thrombus-targeting capabilities of PMBs.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of PMBs for clinical translation in nanobiotechnology.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PMBs (average diameter 700 nm, negative ζ-potential) from platelet membranes.
• Visualization of PMBs using diagnostic ultrasound imaging in vitro and in vivo (live mice).
• Confocal laser microscopy to confirm retention of transmembrane proteins (CD41, CD42) and platelet aggregation studies.

Main Results:

• PMBs were visualized as hyperechogenic entities via ultrasound imaging.
• Essential platelet-specific transmembrane proteins were retained on PMBs.
• PMBs adhered to in vitro thrombi without inducing aggregation and targeted laser-induced thrombosis in vivo.

Conclusions:

• A rapid method for generating PMBs with unique ultrasound-directed and thrombus-targeting properties was developed.
• PMBs demonstrate potential for safe and precise targeting of acute thrombosis.
• PMBs hold significant promise for advancing ultrasound diagnostic thrombus imaging and clot-targeted therapy.