Peptide-Enabled Thrombus-Targeting Nanoparticles for Highly Effective Targeted CT Imaging and Eradication of Thrombi

Thrombotic disease poses a significant threat to human health as it blocks blood vessels and leads to severe symptoms. Effective treatment requires targeted therapy and precise localization of the thrombus, but traditional drugs are limited in their targeting ability and ability to locate the thrombus. To overcome these issues, a nanoparticle capable of both thrombus targeting and computed tomography (CT) imaging is developed. Phage display technology is used to screen for the thrombus-targeting peptide termed GK, which is then linked to the surface of macroporous silica (Mp-SiO2) with a Bi core to create Mp-Bi@SiO2-GK. The large pores of Mp-Bi@SiO2-GK enable the transport of the drug Urokinase (UK), while the Bi core provides the capabilities of CT imaging and photothermal therapy. The Mp-Bi@SiO2-GK nanoparticles precisely target thrombi in mouse carotid arteries and locate them via CT imaging. Furthermore, the combination of Bi-enabled photothermal therapy and UK-induced chemotherapy enhance the thrombolysis efficiency. Treatment with Mp-Bi@SiO2-GK nanoparticles do not harm tissues/organs or affect liver/kidney metabolism. These results show that Mp-Bi@SiO2-GK exhibits precise thrombus targeting and efficient imaging/treatment capability, making it a promising tool for the diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis.