Fe3O4@M nanoparticles for MRI-targeted detection in the early lesions of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis can lead to most cardiovascular diseases. Although some biomimetic nanomaterials coated by macrophage membranes have been reported in previous studies of atherosclerosis, to our knowledge, no studies regarding the detection of early lesions of atherosclerosis (foam cells) using such a strategy have yet been reported. In the present study, Fe3O4 biomimetic nanoparticles coated with a macrophage membrane (Fe3O4@M) were prepared to investigate the imaging effect on the early lesions of atherosclerosis (foam cells). The results showed that the Fe3O4@M particles are spheres with average diameters of approximately 300 nm. T1 and T2 relaxation values showed that the ratio of r2 to r1 was 26.09. The protein content accounted for approximately 27% of the total weight in Fe3O4@M, and Fe3O4@M nanoparticles exhibited high biosafety. Further testing showed that Fe3O4@M effectively targets early atherosclerotic lesions by the specific recognition of integrin alpha 4 beta 1 to VCAM-1. Taken together, Fe3O4@M is a promising contrast agent for the diagnosis of early stage atherosclerosis. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study prepared Fe3O4 biomimetic nanoparticles coated with a macrophage membrane for imaging early lesions of atherosclerosis. The nanoparticles showed promising potential as a contrast agent for the diagnosis of early stage atherosclerosis.