Biomimetic Microenvironment Nanomodulators for Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive T 1 -T 2 Dual-Modal Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Visualized Treatment of Atherosclerosis

View at publisher
Authors: Xin Liu, Sunli Wan, Tingting Yao, Dan Wang, Mingkang Wang, Xinlong Liu, Xiaohui Deng, Runjianya Ling, W.P. Zhu, Zejian Wang, Yuanyuan Guo, Chuan Zhang
+1 more Yuehua Li
Cited by: 1
References: 72

Abstract

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a key pathological basis causing major cardiovascular diseases. Its proinflammatory microenvironment, characterized by aggregated inflammatory macrophages, excessive reactive oxygen species, and deficient phagocytosis, plays a pivotal role in driving AS pathogenesis. However, given the complexity of the microenvironment inside atherosclerotic plaques, developing highly effective and comprehensive nanoplatforms for precise diagnosis, efficient therapy, and reliable prognostic evaluation remains a major challenge. Herein, we construct a biomimetic nanomodulator (FeMn/Cur@CM) with responsive T 1 -T 2 dual-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multifaceted regulation functionalities of the plaque microenvironment for visualized treatment of AS. Coated with a macrophage membrane, curcumin-loaded FeMn/Cur@CM nanoparticles achieve prolonged circulation and specific targeting of inflammatory plaques. Diagnostically, FeMn/Cur@CM functions as a microenvironment-responsive dual-modal MRI contrast agent, amplifying T 1 -T 2 signals in plaques. Therapeutically, FeMn/Cur@CM multifacetedly modulates the plaque microenvironment by alleviating oxidative stress, neutralizing protons, promoting macrophage reprogramming, and restoring macrophage efferocytosis. As a result, the integrated theranostic platform demonstrates remarkable plaque regression and simultaneously realizes real-time visualization of lesion progression via dual-modal MRI, providing precise diagnosis of plaque milieu. Through inflammation-targeted intervention coupled with real-time imaging feedback, this biomimetic nanomodulator establishes a promising strategy for the precise treatment of inflammatory vascular diseases, offering translational potential for AS management.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Hemoglobin structure and function

Publication details

Journal / source
ACS Nano
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
20
Issue
14
Pages
11126–11148
Publication date
31 March 2026
Language
EN