Cell membrane-coated nanoparticles for precision imaging of vessels to diagnose vascular disease

Panvascular diseases represent a spectrum of systemic vascular disorders driven predominantly by atherosclerosis (AS) and characterized by multi-organ involvement. Their complex spatial heterogeneity and dynamic pathophysiology pose persistent challenges for accurate visualization. Conventional imaging modalities, although clinically indispensable, often lack sufficient lesion specificity and biological adaptability to capture key disease processes. Recent advances in nanotechnology have introduced cell membrane-mimetic nanoprobes, which leverage biomimetic features such as prolonged circulation, immune evasion, and enhanced lesion targeting. These properties enable sensitive detection of critical vascular events, including endothelial activation, plaque vulnerability, and thrombus evolution across diverse vascular territories. Despite rapid technological progress, a unifying framework connecting probe engineering, imaging performance, and translational relevance remains insufficiently defined. This review systematically examines the design principles, fabrication strategies, and functional mechanisms underlying cell membrane-mimetic nanoprobes. We synthesize recent developments across major imaging platforms-including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), optical imaging, and multimodal imaging-and evaluate their roles in disease characterization. Furthermore, we discuss how biomimetic nanoprobes may facilitate risk stratification, precision diagnosis, and personalized therapeutic guidance in panvascular diseases. By integrating emerging bio-nanotechnologies with vascular imaging science, this review provides a forward-looking perspective on next-generation diagnostic strategies and their potential clinical translation.