Assessing the Effect\nof Magnetite Nanoflowers on Platelets\nin a Multiscale Approach in the Context of Thromboembolic Diseases

Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles have emerged as promising\ntheranostic\nagents for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Using a multiscale\napproach, we investigated the interaction of 26.5 nm diameter multicore\nmagnetite nanoflowers, recognized for being excellent nanoheaters\nand contrast agents in nanomedicine, with human blood platelets. Using\nflow cytometry, we determined safe concentrations of magnetite nanoflowers.\nData indicated that platelets exhibit reversible activation at high\nmagnetite nanoflower concentrations. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed\nsignificant reductions in T<sub>1</sub> and T<sub>2</sub> relaxation\ntimes when platelets were combined with magnetite nanoflowers at high\nconcentrations suggesting nanoparticle–platelet interaction.\nAt the nanoscale, transmission and scanning electron microscopy confirmed\nmorphological changes in platelets when exposed to a high concentration\nof nanoparticles and their partial internalization in the platelets.\nOverall, the findings support the theranostic potential of magnetite\nnanoflowers in whole blood for thromboembolic disease management,\nwith the potential for future investigations over longer exposure.