Dual-modality probe nanodrug delivery systems with ROS-sensitivity for atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy

Abstract

Most acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are caused by atherosclerotic plaque rupture leading to blocked arteries. Targeted nanodelivery systems deliver imaging agents or drugs to target sites for diagnostic imaging or the treatment of various diseases, providing new insights for the detection and treatment of atherosclerosis. Based on the pathological characteristics of atherosclerosis, a hydrogen peroxide-sensitive bimodal probe PPIS@FC with integrated diagnosis and treatment function was designed. Bimodal probes Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-CDs (FC) were prepared by coupling superparamagnetic iron oxide and carbon quantum dots synthesized with citric acid, and self-assembled with hydrogen peroxide stimulus-responsive amphiphilic block polymer PGMA–PEG modified with simvastatin (Sim) and target molecule ISO-1 to obtain drug-loaded micelles PGMA–PEG-ISO-1-Sim@FC (PPIS@FC). PPIS@FC could release Sim and FC in an H₂O₂-triggered manner, achieving the goal of releasing drugs using the special microenvironment at the plaque. At the same time, in vivo magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging results proved that PPIS@FC possessed targeting ability, magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence imaging effects. The results of the FeCl₃ and ApoE^−/− model showed that PPIS@FC had an excellent therapeutic effect and in vivo safety. Therefore, dual-modality imaging drug delivery systems with ROS response will become a promising strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.