Drug-loaded nanoparticles reduced platelet aggregation and blood coagulation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Surface-induced thrombosis is a major challenge for blood-contacting medical devices.
• Platelet activation and clot formation are key drivers of device-associated thrombosis.
• Nitric oxide (NO) is a natural antiplatelet agent with therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize nitric oxide-releasing antiplatelet lipid nanoparticles (anti-PLT LNPs).
• To evaluate the antiplatelet and anticoagulant efficacy of anti-PLT LNPs.
• To assess the biocompatibility and NO-release kinetics of the nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• Formulation and physicochemical characterization of anti-PLT LNPs.
• In vitro evaluation of platelet aggregation inhibition.
• Assessment of mammalian cell biocompatibility and whole-blood coagulation using activated clotting time (ACT).

Main Results:

• Anti-PLT LNPs demonstrated sustained nitric oxide release over 22 weeks.
• Nanoparticles showed high mammalian cell biocompatibility.
• Significant inhibition of platelet aggregation (up to 84.4%) and prolonged clotting time (up to threefold increase in ACT).

Conclusions:

• NO-releasing anti-PLT LNPs effectively suppress platelet activation and coagulation.
• The nanoparticles maintain biocompatibility, offering a targeted approach to mitigate thrombosis.
• These findings suggest a promising strategy for improving blood-contacting medical devices.