UC Davis

Peripheral artery disease is an atherosclerotic occlusion in the peripheral vasculature that is typically treated via percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Unfortunately, deployment of the angioplasty balloon damages the endothelial layer, exposing the underlying collagen and allowing for the binding and activation of circulating platelets, which initiate an inflammatory cascade leading to eventual restenosis. Here, we report on the development of poly(NIPAm-MBA-AMPS-AAc) nanoparticles that have a collagen I-binding peptide crosslinked to their surface allowing them to bind to exposed collagen. Once bound, these particles mask the exposed collagen from circulating platelets, effectively reducing collagen-mediated platelet activation. Using collagen I-coated plates, we demonstrate that these particles are able to bind to collagen at concentrations above 0.5 mg/mL. Once bound, these particles inhibit collagen-mediated platelet activation by over 60%. Using light scattering and zeta potential measurements, we investigated the potential of the nanoparticles as a drug delivery platform. We have verified that the collagen-binding nanoparticles retain the temperature sensitivity common to poly(NIPAm)-based nanoparticles while remaining colloidally stable in aqueous environments. We also demonstrate that they are able to passively load and release anti-inflammatory cell penetrating peptides. Combined, we have developed a collagen-binding nanoparticle that has dual therapy potential, preventing collagen-mediated platelet activation while delivering water-soluble therapeutics directly to the damaged area.