Using nanotechnology for the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease: a narrative review

Cardiovascular disease incidence is increasing worldwide, rendering it the most common cause of death worldwide. As such, nanomedicine has emerged in the context of overcoming these biological barriers. In this review, novel technologies are illustrated on two levels: molecular imaging and nanotechnology in atherosclerosis and therapeutic options in atherosclerosis. The former includes many diagnostic techniques, such as fluorescence imaging, computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), photoacoustic imaging, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and multi-modality imaging. The latter is divided into two main subgroups: the first group includes inflammation-targeted therapies involving the endothelial cells and macrophages, and the second group includes nanoparticle transporters, like liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), gel-like NPs, carbon nanotube, magnetic NPs, iron oxide NPs and gold NPs, and nanocoating (stent polymeric coatings to nanotextured ceramic coatings). In conclusion, nanoparticles show promise in enhancing the early diagnosis and targeted treatment of coronary artery disease. While several imaging and therapeutic techniques have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models, only a few have progressed to human trials or clinical use.