Enhanced atherosclerosis molecular imaging and therapy with collagen hybridizing peptide functionalized albumin nanoparticles.

ABSTRACT: Intraluminal drug coated devices, such as paclitaxel (PTX)-coated balloons, are commonly used to treat arterial occlusive diseases caused by atherosclerosis. However, their efficacy is limited by drug loss, poor drug retention, insufficient penetration and high costs. Nanoparticles with molecular targeting capabilities offer a promising solution to these challenges. Collagen hybridizing peptide (CHP) specifically binds to degraded collagen in atherosclerotic plaques, enabling precise molecular imaging and targeted therapy. In this study, we demonstrated that collagen degradation was significantly elevated in atherosclerotic plaques and could be effectively identified by CHP in both atherosclerosis patients and mice models. Using the emerging copper-free click chemistry reaction, we functio

SUBMITTER: He J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12560523 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature