NANOTECHNOLOGY FOR TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY IN ARTERIAL PLAQUES: A BREAKTHROUGH IN TREATING ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND PREVENTING STROKE

Abstract

  Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, is characterized by the accumulation of fatty plaques within the arteries, impairing blood flow and increasing the risk of plaque rupture. Traditional treatment methods often lack specificity and are limited by side effects. This study investigates the potential of nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery to atherosclerotic plaques using nanoparticles. Metal-based nanoparticles were engineered for precise targeting of arterial plaques, with a focus on reducing plaque size and preventing stroke. In-vitro testing demonstrated that metal-based nanoparticles exhibited the highest binding efficiency to key biomarkers of atherosclerosis, including oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) and macrophage scavenger receptors. In vivo evaluations of atherosclerotic animal models indicatedophy-petted plaque size decreases by 58% alongside a record-breaking 95% survival rate explaining superior therapeutic ability together with stroke protection through metal-based nanoparticle therapy. Biodistribution studies showed that particles accumulated substantially within arteries which documented their selective characteristic to reach atherosclerotic lesions. The targeted delivery platform of nanotechnology demonstrates its ability to hit plaques so physicians achieve better medical results while stopping stroke development. The complete clinical application of nanoparticles in human medical practice requires improvements in nanoparticle engineering along with optimal targeting methods and long-term safety assessments in clinical environments.