Design of Nanovectors for Therapy and Imaging of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are widely prevalent in western societies, and their associated costs number in the billions of dollars and affect millions of patients each year. Nanovectors targeted to tissues involved in cardiovascular diseases offer great opportunities to improve cardiovascular treatment through their imaging and drug delivery capabilities. Vascular-targeted imaging particles may permit the early identification of atherosclerosis, discriminate between stable and vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, or guide surgeons as they work on fragile vasculature. Tailored therapeutic nanoparticles may provide safer, more efficient and effective intervention through localization and release of encapsulated therapeutics. Nanovector design involves numerous considerations such as fabrication material, particle size, and surface-modification with ligands for targeting and increasing blood circulation times. Complex blood rheology may affect the efficiency with which dissimilar-sized particles target ligand receptors associated with disease. Additionally, the intended use of a nanovector is a critical factor in its design as some materials with poor drugloading qualities or release kinetics may be suitable for imaging purposes only. Overall, vectors targeted to the vasculature will need to be efficient in avoiding blood clearance, honing to the target location, and binding at the desired site.