Redox-responsive polyurethane-polyurea nanoparticles targeting to aortic endothelium and atherosclerosis
Yuxiang Zhou, David Hou, Cristina Cusco Marigo, Joaquín Bonelli, Pau Rocas, Fangzhou Cheng, Xiaoqiu Yang, Josep Rocas, Naomi M. Hamberg, Jingyan Han
Abstract
cellular uptake studies with human aortic endothelial cells showed that these Puua-NCs were taken up by cells in a dose-dependent manner. In apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed a Western diet, a model of atherosclerosis, circulating Puua-NCs were stable and accumulated in aortic endothelium and lesions within 24 hours after intravenous administration. Treatment with thiol-reducing and oxidizing reagents disrupted the disulfide bonds on the surface of internalized NCs, triggering disassembly and intracellular cargo release. Ultimately, Puua-NCs are a potential redox-controllable cardiovascular drug delivery system.