Engineered microparticles and nanoparticles for fibrinolysis

Branched silver-iron oxide nanoparticles enabling highly effective targeted and localised drug-free thrombolysis

Ultrasound has been widely used as an external stimulus to trigger drug release from nanomaterials in thrombosis treatment. Here, we introduce a novel strategy leveraging nanomaterials not for drug delivery, but for enhancing US-induced thrombolysis. This innovative strategy is particularly significant, as thrombolytic drugs inherently pose a risk of systemic bleeding. We combined branched silver-iron oxide nanoparticles (AgIONPs) with low-intensity focused ultrasound to evaluate their thrombolytic potential. Binding assays in in vitro human blood clots and in a thrombosis mouse model confirmed that the targeted AgIONPs specifically bound to thrombi. Upon ultrasound activation, AgIONPs facilitated thrombolysis via two key mechanisms: hyperthermia driven by the nanoparticle-mediated thermal conversion, and mechanical shear forces induced by ultrasound. The combination of AgIONPs and US generated a synergistic thrombolytic effect, demonstrating significant efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo.

Photothrombolytics: A light-driven technology for the targeted lysis of thrombi

Occlusive blood clots remain a significant global health challenge and result in emergencies that are main causes of death and disability worldwide. Thrombolytic agents (including tissue plasminogen activator, tPA) are the only pharmacological means to dissolve blood clots. However, these drugs have modest efficacy and severe safety concerns persist. We have developed light-responsive tPA-loaded red blood cells (tPA-RBCsPhoto) to target thrombolytic activity at the site of a blood clot. Herein, we describe the use of light to control the release of tPA from engineered RBCs and the subsequent degradation of a blood clot ex vivo. Furthermore, we have employed this technology to restore blood flow to an occluded mouse artery in vivo using a targeted dose that is 25 times lower than conventional systemic tPA treatment.

Harnessing micrometer-scale tPA beads for high plasmin generation and accelerated fibrinolysis

Rapid restoration of blood flow is critical in treating acute ischemic stroke. Current fibrinolytic therapies using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) are limited by low recanalization rates and risks of off-target bleeding. Here, we present a strategy using tPA immobilized on micrometer-scale beads to enhance local plasmin generation. We synthesized tPA-functionalized beads of varying sizes (0.1 μm and 1.0 μm) and evaluated their efficacy. In vitro assays demonstrated that 1.0 μm tPA-beads generated higher plasmin generation compared to free tPA and 0.1 μm beads, overcoming antiplasmin inhibition and promoting a self-propagating wave of fibrinolysis. In a murine model of acute ischemic stroke, intravenous administration of 1.0 μm tPA-beads at doses nearly two orders of magnitude lower than the standard free tPA dose led to rapid and near-complete thrombus removal within minutes. This approach addresses kinetic and transport limitations of current therapies and may reduce the risk of hemorrhagic complications.

Endothelium-Mimicking Materials: A "Rising Star" for Antithrombosis

The advancement of antithrombotic materials has significantly mitigated the thrombosis issue in clinical applications involving various medical implants. Extensive research has been dedicated over the past few decades to developing blood-contacting materials with complete resistance to thrombosis. However, despite these advancements, the risk of thrombosis and other complications persists when these materials are implanted in the human body. Consequently, the modification and enhancement of antithrombotic materials remain pivotal in 21st-century hemocompatibility studies. Previous research indicates that the healthy endothelial cells (ECs) layer is uniquely compatible with blood. Inspired by bionics, scientists have initiated the development of materials that emulate the hemocompatible properties of ECs by replicating their diverse antithrombotic mechanisms. This review elucidates the antithrombotic mechanisms of ECs and examines the endothelium-mimicking materials developed through single, dual-functional and multifunctional strategies, focusing on nitric oxide release, fibrinolytic function, glycosaminoglycan modification, and surface topography modification. These materials have demonstrated outstanding antithrombotic performance. Finally, the review outlines potential future research directions in this dynamic field, aiming to advance the development of antithrombotic materials.

Fibrinogen binding to activated platelets and its biomimetic thrombus-targeted thrombolytic strategies

Thrombosis is associated with various fatal arteriovenous syndromes including ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary embolism. However, current clinical thrombolytic treatment strategies still have many problems in targeting and safety to meet the thrombolytic therapy needs. Understanding the molecular mechanism that underlies thrombosis is critical in developing effective thrombolytic strategies. It is well known that platelets play a central role in thrombosis and the binding of fibrinogen to activated platelets is a common pathway in the process of clot formation. Based on this, a concept of biomimetic thrombus-targeted thrombolytic strategy inspired from fibrinogen binding to activated platelets in thrombosis was proposed, which could selectively bind to activated platelets at a thrombus site, thus enabling targeted delivery and local release of thrombolytic agents for effective thrombolysis. In this review, we first summarized the main characteristics of platelets and fibrinogen, and then introduced the classical molecular mechanisms of thrombosis, including platelet adhesion, platelet activation and platelet aggregation through the interactions of activated platelets with fibrinogen. In addition, we highlighted the recent advances in biomimetic thrombus-targeted thrombolytic strategies which inspired from fibrinogen binding to activated platelets in thrombosis. The possible future directions and perspectives in this emerging area are briefly discussed.

Magnetically powered microwheel thrombolysis of occlusive thrombi in zebrafish

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only FDA-approved treatment for ischemic stroke but carries significant risks, including major hemorrhage. Additional options are needed, especially in small vessel thrombi which account for ~25% of ischemic strokes. We have previously shown that tPA-functionalized colloidal microparticles can be assembled into microwheels (µwheels) and manipulated under the control of applied magnetic fields to enable rapid thrombolysis of fibrin gels in microfluidic models of thrombosis. Transparent zebrafish larvae have a highly conserved coagulation cascade that enables studies of hemostasis and thrombosis in the context of intact vasculature, clotting factors, and blood cells. Here, we show that tPA-functionalized µwheels can perform rapid and targeted recanalization in vivo. This effect requires both tPA and µwheels, as minimal to no recanalization is achieved with tPA alone, µwheels alone, or tPA-functionalized microparticles in the absence of a magnetic field. We evaluated tPA-functionalized µwheels in CRISPR-generated plasminogen (plg) heterozygous and homozygous mutants and confirmed that tPA-functionalized µwheels are dose-dependent on plasminogen for lysis. We have found that magnetically powered µwheels as a targeted tPA delivery system are dramatically more efficient at plasmin-mediated thrombolysis than systemic delivery in vivo. Further development of this system in fish and mammalian models could enable a less invasive strategy for alleviating ischemia that is safer than directed thrombectomy or systemic infusion of tPA.

Research into New Molecular Mechanisms in Thrombotic Diseases Paves the Way for Innovative Therapeutic Approaches

Thrombosis is a multifaceted process involving various molecular components, including the coagulation cascade, platelet activation, platelet-endothelial interaction, anticoagulant signaling pathways, inflammatory mediators, genetic factors and the involvement of various cells such as endothelial cells, platelets and leukocytes. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular signaling pathways and cell interactions that play a role in thrombosis is essential for the development of precise therapeutic strategies for the treatment and prevention of thrombotic diseases. Ongoing research in this field is constantly uncovering new molecular players and pathways that offer opportunities for more precise interventions in the clinical setting. These molecular insights into thrombosis form the basis for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches for the treatment and prevention of thrombotic disease. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the pathogenesis of thrombosis and to explore new therapeutic options.

Magnetically Powered Microwheel Thrombolysis of Occlusive Thrombi in Zebrafish

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only FDA approved treatment for ischemic stroke but carries significant risks, including major hemorrhage. Additional options are needed, especially in small vessel thrombi which account for ~25% of ischemic strokes. We have previously shown that tPA-functionalized colloidal microparticles can be assembled into microwheels (µwheels) and manipulated under the control of applied magnetic fields to enable rapid thrombolysis of fibrin gels in microfluidic models of thrombosis. Providing a living microfluidic analog, transparent zebrafish larvae have a highly conserved coagulation cascade that enables studies of hemostasis and thrombosis in the context of intact vasculature, clotting factors, and blood cells. Here we show that tPA-functionalized µwheels can perform rapid and targeted recanalization in vivo. This effect requires both tPA and µwheels, as minimal to no recanalization is achieved with tPA alone, µwheels alone, or tPA-functionalized microparticles in the absence of a magnetic field. We evaluated tPA-µwheels in CRISPR-generated plasminogen (plg) heterozygous and homozygous mutants and confirmed that tPA-µwheels are dose-dependent on plasminogen for lysis. We have found that magnetically powered µwheels as a targeted tPA delivery system are dramatically more efficient at plasmin-mediated thrombolysis than systemic delivery in vivo. Further development of this system in fish and mammalian models could enable a less invasive strategy for alleviating ischemia that is safer than directed thrombectomy or systemic infusion of tPA.

Magnetic Nanoparticles Mediated Thrombolysis-A Review

Nanoparticles containing thrombolytic medicines have been developed for thrombolysis applications in response to the increasing demand for effective, targeted treatment of thrombosis disease. In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest in nanoparticles that can be navigated and driven by a magnetic field. However, there are few review publications concerning the application of magnetic nanoparticles in thrombolysis. In this study, we examine the current state of magnetic nanoparticles in the application of in vitro and in vivo thrombolysis under a static or dynamic magnetic field, as well as the combination of magnetic nanoparticles with an acoustic field for dual-mode thrombolysis. We also discuss four primary processes of magnetic nanoparticles mediated thrombolysis, including magnetic nanoparticle targeting, magnetic nanoparticle trapping, magnetic drug release, and magnetic rupture of blood clot fibrin networks. This review will offer unique insights for the future study and clinical development of magnetic nanoparticles mediated thrombolysis approaches.

Cardioprotective effect of ultrasound-targeted destruction of Sirt3-loaded cationic microbubbles in a large animal model of pathological cardiac hypertrophy

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy occurs in response to numerous increased afterload stimuli and precedes irreversible heart failure (HF). Therefore, therapies that ameliorate pathological cardiac hypertrophy are urgently required. Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) is a main member of histone deacetylase class III and is a crucial anti-oxidative stress agent. Therapeutically enhancing the Sirt3 transfection efficiency in the heart would broaden the potential clinical application of Sirt3. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) is a prospective, noninvasive, repeatable, and targeted gene delivery technique. In the present study, we explored the potential and safety of UTMD as a delivery tool for Sirt3 in hypertrophic heart tissues using adult male Bama miniature pigs. Pigs were subjected to ear vein delivery of human Sirt3 together with UTMD of cationic microbubbles (CMBs). Fluorescence imaging, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the targeted destruction of ultrasonic CMBs in cardiac tissues greatly boosted Sirt3 delivery. Overexpression of Sirt3 ameliorated oxidative stress and partially improved the diastolic function and prevented the apoptosis and profibrotic response. Lastly, our data revealed that Sirt3 may regulate the potential transcription of catalase and MnSOD through Foxo3a. Combining the advantages of ultrasound CMBs with preclinical hypertrophy large animal models for gene delivery, we established a classical hypertrophy model as well as a strategy for the targeted delivery of genes to hypertrophic heart tissues. Since oxidative stress, fibrosis and apoptosis are indispensable in the evolution of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, our findings suggest that Sirt3 is a promising therapeutic option for these diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a central prepathology of heart failure and is seen to eventually precede it. Feasible targets that may prevent or reverse disease progression are scarce and urgently needed. In this study, we developed surface-filled lipid octafluoropropane gas core cationic microbubbles that could target the release of human Sirt3 reactivating the endogenous Sirt3 in hypertrophic hearts and protect against oxidative stress in a pig model of cardiac hypertrophy induced by aortic banding. Sirt3-CMBs may enhance cardiac diastolic function and ameliorate fibrosis and apoptosis. Our work provides a classical cationic lipid-based, UTMD-mediated Sirt3 delivery system for the treatment of Sirt3 in patients with established cardiac hypertrophy, as well as a promising therapeutic target to combat pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Direct delivery of plasmin using clot-anchoring thrombin-responsive nanoparticles for targeted fibrinolytic therapy

BACKGROUND

Fibrin-rich clot formation in thrombo-occlusive pathologies is currently treated by systemic administration of plasminogen activators (e.g. tPA), to convert fibrin-associated plasminogen to plasmin for fibrinolytic action. However, this conversion is not restricted to clot site only but also occurs on circulating plasminogen, causing systemic fibrinogenolysis and bleeding risks. To address this, past research has explored tPA delivery using clot-targeted nanoparticles.

OBJECTIVES

We designed a nanomedicine system that can (1) target clots via binding to activated platelets and fibrin, (2) package plasmin instead of tPA as a direct fibrinolytic agent, and (3) release this plasmin triggered by thrombin for clot-localized action.

METHODS

Clot-targeted thrombin-cleavable nanoparticles (CTNPs) were manufactured using self-assembly of peptide-lipid conjugates. Plasmin loading and its thrombin-triggered release from CTNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy. CTNP-targeting to clots under flow was studied using microfluidics. Fibrinolytic effect of CTNP-delivered plasmin was studied in vitro using BioFlux imaging and D-dimer analysis and in vivo in a zebrafish thrombosis model.

RESULTS

Plasmin-loaded CTNPs significantly bound to clots under shear flow and showed thrombin-triggered enhanced release of plasmin. BioFlux studies confirmed that thrombin-triggered plasmin released from CTNPs rendered fibrinolysis similar to free plasmin, further corroborated by D-dimer analysis. In the zebrafish model, CTNP-delivered plasmin accelerated time-to-recanalization, or completely prevented occlusion when infused before thrombus formation.

CONCLUSION

Considering that the very short circulation half-life (<1 second) of plasmin prevents its systemic use but also makes it safer without off-target drug effects, clot-targeted delivery of plasmin using CTNPs can enable safer and more efficacious fibrinolytic therapy.

A Fibrinogen-Mimicking, Activated-Platelet-Sensitive Nanocoacervate Enhances Thrombus Targeting and Penetration of Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Effective Thrombolytic Therapy

The development of a fibrinolytic system with long circulation time, high thrombus targeting, efficient thrombus penetration, effective thrombolysis, and minimal hemorrhagic risk remains a major challenge. Herein, inspired by fibrinogen binding to activated platelets in thrombosis, this article reports a fibrinogen-mimicking, activated-platelet-sensitive nanocoacervate to enhance thrombus penetration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for targeted thrombolytic therapy. This biomimetic nanothrombolytic system, denoted as RGD-Chi@tPA, is constructed by "one-pot" coacervation through electrostatic interactions between positively charged arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-grafted chitosan (RGD-Chi) and negatively charged tPA. Flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy measurements show targeting of RGD-Chi@tPA to activated platelets. Controlled tPA release triggered by activated platelets at a thrombus site is demonstrated. Its targeted fibrinolytic and thrombolytic activities are measured in in vitro models. The pharmacokinetic profiles show that RGD-Chi@tPA can significantly prolong circulation time compared to free tPA. In a mouse tail thrombus model, RGD-Chi@tPA displays efficient thrombus targeting and penetration, enabling a complete vascular recanalization as confirmed by the fluorescence imaging, histochemical assay, and laser speckle contrast imager. Consequently, RGD-Chi@tPA induces a substantial enhancement in thrombolysis with minimal hemorrhagic risk compared to free tPA. This simple, effective, and safe platform holds great promise for the development of thrombolytic nanomedicines.

Pathophysiology of Coagulation and Emerging Roles for Extracellular Vesicles in Coagulation Cascades and Disorders

The notion of blood coagulation dates back to the ancient Greek civilization. However, the emergence of innovative scientific discoveries that started in the seventeenth century formulated the fundamentals of blood coagulation. Our understanding of key coagulation processes continues to evolve, as novel homeostatic and pathophysiological aspects of hemostasis are revealed. Hemostasis is a dynamic physiological process, which stops bleeding at the site of injury while maintaining normal blood flow within the body. Intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways culminate in the homeostatic cessation of blood loss, through the sequential activation of the coagulation factors. Recently, the cell-based theory, which combines these two pathways, along with newly discovered mechanisms, emerged to holistically describe intricate in vivo coagulation mechanisms. The complexity of these mechanisms becomes evident in coagulation diseases such as hemophilia, Von Willebrand disease, thrombophilia, and vitamin K deficiency, in which excessive bleeding, thrombosis, or unnecessary clotting, drive the development and progression of diseases. Accumulating evidence implicates cell-derived and platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), which comprise microvesicles (MVs), exosomes, and apoptotic bodies, in the modulation of the coagulation cascade in hemostasis and thrombosis. As these EVs are associated with intercellular communication, molecular recycling, and metastatic niche creation, emerging evidence explores EVs as valuable diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in thrombotic and prothrombotic diseases.

Platelet-inspired nanomedicine in hemostasis thrombosis and thromboinflammation

Platelets are anucleate cell-fragments derived predominantly from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow and released in the blood circulation, with a normal count of 150 000-40 000 per μl and a lifespan of approximately 10 days in humans. A primary role of platelets is to aid in vascular injury site-specific clot formation to stanch bleeding, termed hemostasis. Platelets render hemostasis by a complex concert of mechanisms involving platelet adhesion, activation and aggregation, coagulation amplification, and clot retraction. Additionally, platelet secretome can influence coagulation kinetics and clot morphology. Therefore, platelet defects and dysfunctions result in bleeding complications. Current treatment for such complications involve prophylactic or emergency transfusion of platelets. However, platelet transfusion logistics constantly suffer from limited donor availability, challenges in portability and storage, high bacterial contamination risks, and very short shelf life (~5 days). To address these issues, an exciting area of research is focusing on the development of microparticle- and nanoparticle-based platelet surrogate technologies that can mimic various hemostatic mechanisms of platelets. On the other hand, aberrant occurrence of the platelet mechanisms lead to the pathological manifestation of thrombosis and thromboinflammation. The treatments for this are focused on inhibiting the mechanisms or resolving the formed clots. Here, platelet-inspired technologies can provide unique platforms for disease-targeted drug delivery to achieve high therapeutic efficacy while avoiding systemic side-effects. This review will provide brief mechanistic insight into the role of platelets in hemostasis, thrombosis and thromboinflammation, and present the current state-of-art in the design of platelet-inspired nanomedicine for applications in these areas.

Cell-membrane-inspired polymers for constructing biointerfaces with efficient molecular recognition

Fabrication of devices that accurately recognize, detect, and separate target molecules from mixtures is a crucial aspect of biotechnology for applications in medical, pharmaceutical, and food sciences. This technology has also been recently applied in solving environmental and energy-related problems. In molecular recognition, biomolecules are typically complexed with a substrate, and specific molecules from a mixture are recognized, captured, and reacted. To increase sensitivity and efficiency, the activity of the biomolecules used for capture should be maintained, and non-specific reactions on the surface should be prevented. This review summarizes polymeric materials that are used for constructing biointerfaces. Precise molecular recognition occurring at the surface of cell membranes is fundamental to sustaining life; therefore, materials that mimic the structure and properties of this particular surface are emphasized in this article. The requirements for biointerfaces to eliminate nonspecific interactions of biomolecules are described. In particular, the major issue of protein adsorption on biointerfaces is discussed by focusing on the structure of water near the interface from a thermodynamic viewpoint; moreover, the structure of polymer molecules that control the water structure is considered. Methodologies enabling stable formation of these interfaces on material surfaces are also presented.

Breaking the fibrinolytic speed limit with microwheel co-delivery of tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen

BACKGROUND

To reestablish blood flow in vessels occluded by clots, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can be used; however, its efficacy is limited by transport to and into a clot and by the depletion of its substrate, plasminogen.

OBJECTIVES

To overcome these rate limitations, a platform was designed to co-deliver tPA and plasminogen based on microwheels (µwheels), wheel-like assemblies of superparamagnetic colloidal beads that roll along surfaces at high speeds.

METHODS

The biochemical speed limit was determined by measuring fibrinolysis of plasma clots at varying concentrations of tPA (10-800 nM) and plasminogen (1-6 µM). Biotinylated magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized and bound to streptavidin-coated superparamagnetic beads to make studded beads. Studded beads were loaded with plasminogen and tPA was immobilized on their surface. Plasminogen release and tPA activity were measured on the studded beads. Studded beads were assembled into µwheels with rotating magnetic fields and fibrinolysis of plasma clots was measured in a microfluidic device.

RESULTS

The biochemical speed limit for plasma clots was ~15 µm/min. Plasminogen-loaded, tPA-immobilized µwheels lyse plasma clots at rates comparableto the biochemical speed limit. With the addition of a corkscrew motion, µwheels penetrate clots, thereby exceeding the biochemical speed limit (~20 µm/min) and achieving lysis rates 40-fold higher than 50 nM tPA.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-delivery of an immobilized enzyme and its substrate via a microbot capable of mechanical work has the potential to target and rapidly lyse clots that are inaccessible by mechanical thrombectomy devices or recalcitrant to systemic tPA delivery.

Nanomaterials as Ultrasound Theragnostic Tools for Heart Disease Treatment/Diagnosis

A variety of different nanomaterials (NMs) such as microbubbles (MBs), nanobubbles (NBs), nanodroplets (NDs), and silica hollow meso-structures have been tested as ultrasound contrast agents for the detection of heart diseases. The inner part of these NMs is made gaseous to yield an ultrasound contrast, which arises from the difference in acoustic impedance between the interior and exterior of such a structure. Furthermore, to specifically achieve a contrast in the diseased heart region (DHR), NMs can be designed to target this region in essentially three different ways (i.e., passively when NMs are small enough to diffuse through the holes of the vessels supplying the DHR, actively by being associated with a ligand that recognizes a receptor of the DHR, or magnetically by applying a magnetic field orientated in the direction of the DHR on a NM responding to such stimulus). The localization and resolution of ultrasound imaging can be further improved by applying ultrasounds in the DHR, by increasing the ultrasound frequency, or by using harmonic, sub-harmonic, or super-resolution imaging. Local imaging can be achieved with other non-gaseous NMs of metallic composition (i.e., essentially made of Au) by using photoacoustic imaging, thus widening the range of NMs usable for cardiac applications. These contrast agents may also have a therapeutic efficacy by carrying/activating/releasing a heart disease drug, by triggering ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction or enhanced cavitation in the DHR, for example, resulting in thrombolysis or helping to prevent heart transplant rejection.

Multiphysics Modelling and Simulation of Thrombolysis via Activated Platelet-Targeted Nanomedicine

PURPOSE

This study establishes a multiphysics simulation platform for both conventional and targeted thrombolysis using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Based on our computational results, the effects of therapeutic parameters on the dynamics of thrombolysis and the risk of side effects are investigated.

METHODS

The model extends our previously developed one-dimensional(1D) mathematical models for fibrinolysis by incorporating targeted thrombolysis. It consists of two parts: (i) a coupled mathematical model of systemic pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) and local PD in a 1D occluded artery, and (ii) a mechanistic model for a targeted thrombolytic system via activated platelet-targeted tPA-loaded nanovesicles (tPA-NV), with model parameters derived from our in vitro experiments. A total of 16 therapeutic scenarios are simulated by varying the clot location and composition as well as the dosing regimen with free tPA or tPA-NV.

RESULTS

Our simulation results indicate that tPA-NV offers several advantages over free tPA for thrombolysis. It reduces systemic exposure of tPA, thereby minimising the risk of bleeding complications. Simulations with different tPA-NV doses reveal that tPA-NV at 10% of the recommended dose can be as effective as the standard regimen with the full recommended dose of free tPA, demonstrating the potential of our tPA-NV as a new thrombolytic strategy with a reduced tPA dose. Moreover, faster recanalisation can be achieved with tPA-NV, especially for platelet-rich(or fibrin-poor) clots.

CONCLUSIONS

Our simulation platform for thrombolysis with well-tuned model parameters can be used to evaluate and optimise treatment regimens of existing and new thrombolytic therapies via benefit/risk assessment under various therapeutic scenarios.

Thrombolytic Agents: Nanocarriers in Targeted Release

A thrombus, known as a blood clot, may form within the vascular system of the body and impede blood flow. Thrombosis is the most common underlying pathology of cardiovascular diseases, contributing to high morbidity and mortality. However, the main thrombolytic drugs (urokinase, streptokinase, etc.) have shortcomings, including a short half-life, serious side effects and a lack of targeting, that limit their clinical application. The use of nano-drug delivery systems is expected to address these problems and a variety of approaches, including biological and physical responsive systems, have been explored. In this report, recent advances in the development of targeted nano-drug delivery systems are thoroughly reviewed.

Heparin and Arginine Based Plasmin Nanoformulation for Ischemic Stroke Therapy

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and thrombolytic therapy is the only approved treatment. However, current thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is often hampered by the increased risk of hemorrhage. Plasmin, a direct fibrinolytic, has a significantly superior hemostatic safety profile; however, if injected intravenously it becomes rapidly inactivated by anti-plasmin. Nanoformulations have been shown to increase drug stability and half-life and hence could be applied to increase the plasmin therapeutic efficacy. Here in this paper, we report a novel heparin and arginine-based plasmin nanoformulation that exhibits increased plasmin stability and efficacy. In vitro studies revealed significant plasmin stability in the presence of anti-plasmin and efficient fibrinolytic activity. In addition, these particles showed no significant toxicity or oxidative stress effects in human brain microvascular endothelial cells, and no significant blood brain barrier permeability. Further, in a mouse photothrombotic stroke model, plasmin nanoparticles exhibited significant efficacy in reducing stroke volume without overt intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) compared to free plasmin treatment. The study shows the potential of a plasmin nanoformulation in ischemic stroke therapy.

Extracellular Vesicles and Thrombosis: Update on the Clinical and Experimental Evidence

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) compose a heterogenous group of membrane-derived particles, including exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies, which are released into the extracellular environment in response to proinflammatory or proapoptotic stimuli. From earlier studies suggesting that EV shedding constitutes a cellular clearance mechanism, it has become evident that EV formation, secretion and uptake represent important mechanisms of intercellular communication and exchange of a wide variety of molecules, with relevance in both physiological and pathological situations. The putative role of EVs in hemostasis and thrombosis is supported by clinical and experimental studies unraveling how these cell-derived structures affect clot formation (and resolution). From those studies, it has become clear that the prothrombotic effects of EVs are not restricted to the exposure of tissue factor (TF) and phosphatidylserines (PS), but also involve multiplication of procoagulant surfaces, cross-linking of different cellular players at the site of injury and transfer of activation signals to other cell types. Here, we summarize the existing and novel clinical and experimental evidence on the role and function of EVs during arterial and venous thrombus formation and how they may be used as biomarkers as well as therapeutic vectors.

Current Strategies for Microbubble-Based Thrombus Targeting: Activation-Specific Epitopes and Small Molecular Ligands

Microbubbles with enhanced ultrasound represent a potentially potent evolution to the administration of a free drug in the treatment of thrombotic diseases. Conformational and expressional changes of several thrombotic biological components during active coagulation provide epitopes that allow site-specific delivery of microbubble-based agents to the thrombus for theranostic purpose. Through the interaction with these epitopes, emerging high-affinity small molecular ligands are able to selectively target the thrombi with tremendous advantages over traditional antibody-based strategy. In this mini-review, we summarize recent novel strategies for microbubble-based targeting of thrombus through epitopes located at activated platelets and fibrin. We also discuss the challenges of current targeting modalities and supramolecular carrier systems for their translational use in thrombotic pathologies.

Thrombolytic strategies for ischemic stroke in the thrombectomy era

Twenty-five years ago, intravenous thrombolysis has revolutionized the care of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Since 2015, randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that mechanical thrombectomy improves functional outcome in stroke patients over intravenous thrombolysis alone. More recently, three randomized clinical trials have suggested that mechanical thrombectomy alone is noninferior to a combined strategy with both intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy. In the present review, we will present the last clinical and preclinical studies on the use of thrombolysis in stroke patients in the modern thrombectomy era. At the cost of a potential increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation, thrombolysis may promote arterial recanalization before thrombectomy, improve the rate of successful recanalization after thrombectomy, and restore microcirculation patency downstream of the main thrombus. Besides, new thrombolytic strategies targeting tissue-type plasminogen activator resistant thrombi are being developed, which could strengthen the beneficial effects of thrombolysis without carrying additional pro-hemorrhagic effects. For instance, tenecteplase has shown improved rate of recanalization compared with tissue-type plasminogen activator (alteplase). Beyond fibrinolysis, DNA- and von Willebrand factor-targeted thrombolytic strategies have shown promising results in experimental models of ischemic stroke. New combined strategies, improved thrombolytics, and dedicated clinical trials in selected patients are eagerly awaited to further improve functional outcome in stroke.

Fibrinogen-mimicking, multiarm nanovesicles for human thrombus-specific delivery of tissue plasminogen activator and targeted thrombolytic therapy

Clinical use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in thrombolytic therapy is limited by its short circulation time and hemorrhagic side effects. Inspired by fibrinogen binding to activated platelets, we report a fibrinogen-mimicking, multiarm nanovesicle for thrombus-specific tPA delivery and targeted thrombolysis. This biomimetic system is based on the lipid nanovesicle coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) terminally conjugated with a cyclic RGD (cRGD) peptide. Our experiments with human blood demonstrated its highly selective binding to activated platelets and efficient tPA release at a thrombus site under both static and physiological flow conditions. Its clot dissolution time in a microfluidic system was comparable to that of free tPA. Furthermore, we report a purpose-built computational model capable of simulating targeted thrombolysis of the tPA-loaded nanovesicle and with a potential in predicting the dynamics of thrombolysis in physiologically realistic scenarios. This combined experimental and computational work presents a promising platform for development of thrombolytic nanomedicines.

Investigation of chitosan-g-PEG grafted nanoparticles as a half-life enhancer carrier for tissue plasminogen activator delivery

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) a thrombolytic agent is commonly used for digesting the blood clot. tPA half-life is low (4-6 min) and its administration needs a prolonged continuous infusion. Improving tPA half-life could reduce enzyme dosage and enhance patient compliance. Nano-carries could be used as delivery systems for the protection of enzymes physically, enhancing half-life and increasing the stability of them. In this study, chitosan (CS) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were used for the preparation of CS-g-PEG/tPA nanoparticles (NPs) via the ion gelation method. Particles' size and loading capacity were optimised by central composite design. Then, NPs cytotoxicity, release profile, enzyme activity and in vivo half-life and coagulation time were investigated. The results showed that NPs does not have significant cytotoxicity. Release study revealed that a burst effect happened in the first 5 min and resulted in releasing 30% of tPA. Loading tPA in NPs could decrease 25% of its activity but the half-life of it increases in comparison to free tPA in vivo. Also, blood coagulation time has significantly affected (p-value = 0.041) by encapsulated tPA in comparison to free tPA. So, CS-g-PEG/tPA could increase enzyme half-life during the time and could be used as a non-toxic candidate delivery system for tPA.

An in vitro Model System for Evaluating Remote Magnetic Nanoparticle Movement and Fibrinolysis

Background

Thrombotic events continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is used for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke and other thrombotic disorders. Use of tPA is limited by its narrow therapeutic time window, hemorrhagic complications, and insufficient delivery to the location of the thrombus. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been proposed for targeting tPA delivery. It would be advantageous to develop an improved in vitro model of clot formation, to screen thrombolytic therapies that could be enhanced by addition of MNPs, and to test magnetic drug targeting at human-sized distances.

Methods

We utilized commercially available blood and endothelial cells to construct 1/8th inch (and larger) biomimetic vascular channels in acrylic trays. MNP clusters were moved at a distance by a rotating permanent magnet and moved along the channels by surface walking. The effect of different transport media on MNP velocity was studied using video photography. MNPs with and without tPA were analyzed to determine their velocities in the channels, and their fibrinolytic effect in wells and the trays. 

Results

MNP clusters could be moved through fluids including blood, at human-sized distances, down straight or branched channels, using the rotating permanent magnet. The greatest MNP velocity was closest to the magnet: 0.76 ± 0.03 cm/sec. In serum, the average MNP velocity was 0.10 ± 0.02 cm/sec. MNPs were found to enhance tPA delivery, and cause fibrinolysis in both static and dynamic studies. Fibrinolysis was observed to occur in 85% of the dynamic MNP + tPA experiments.

Conclusion

MNPs hold great promise for use in augmenting delivery of tPA for the treatment of stroke and other thrombotic conditions. This model system facilitates side by side comparisons of MNP-facilitated drug delivery, at a human scale.