MRI and fluorescence imaging of perfluorohexane loaded nanoparticles targeting atherosclerosis and their effects on activated macrophages

Motivation: Cardiovascular disease is the main cause and disease of morbidity and mortality in the world, and atherosclerosis causes more than 90% of cardiovascular diseases. Goal(s): Early diagnosis and timely treatment of atherosclerosis to reduce the morbidity and mortality of residents. Approach: In the development of atherosclerosis, reducing the content of macrophages which derived foam cells can reverse the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Results: The dextran sulfate in the nanoparticles can target SR-A of activated macrophages in atherosclerosis, and then the nanoparticles undergo phase transformation in macrophages to induce apoptosis. Impact: The nanoparticles have multi-mode molecular imaging capabilities, and have excellent targeting performance. Under LIFU, it can undergo phase transformation and induce apoptosis of macrophages, providing a promising strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerotic plaque in the future.