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Nanotechnology

Breakthrough in Atherosclerosis Prevention: Hybrid Aptamer-Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the Prince of Songkla University in Thailand have made a significant discovery in the field of atherosclerosis prevention. According to their study, a hybrid aptamer-molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticle (AP-MIP NP) can effectively bind to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and reduce its uptake by macrophages, leading to a decrease in foam cell formation and inflammation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AP-MIP NP showed a 62 ± 2% decrease in oxLDL uptake by macrophages compared to oxLDL alone at a concentration of 8.25 x 10 particles/mL.
  • The nanoparticles bound to oxLDL disrupted the interaction between oxLDL and the lectin-like oxLDL receptor-1 and the cluster of differentiation 36 scavenger receptors.
  • The AP-MIP NP effectively served as a protective shell for the aptamer at hazardous pH conditions of 4.0 and 10.0, as well as in the presence of DNase I at 100 Kunitz units.
  • The researchers observed a marked decrease in intracellular lipid accumulation and a reduction in the production of tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-6 inflammatory cytokines in macrophages treated with a combination of AP-MIP NP and oxLDL.
  • The AP-MIP NP showed promise as a future therapeutic agent to reduce oxLDL uptake and inhibit foam cell formation for atherosclerosis prevention.
  • The study included the work of Soemwit Khongwichit, Suticha Chunta, Piyawut Swangphon, Maliwan Srisuk, Peter A. Lieberzeit, and Maliwan Amatatongchai from the Prince of Songkla University.

Statistics:

  • The AP-MIP NP reduced oxideLDL uptake by macrophages by 62 ± 2%.
  • The nanoparticles were effective at a concentration of 8.25 x 10 particles/mL.
  • The AP-MIP NP bound to the oxLDL surface at hazardous pH conditions of 4.0 and 10.0.
  • The interaction between oxLDL and the lectin-like oxLDL receptor-1 and the cluster of differentiation 36 scavenger receptors was disrupted by the nanoparticles.
  • The study observed a marked decrease in intracellular lipid accumulation and a reduction in inflammation in macrophages treated with the combination of AP-MIP NP and oxLDL.

Sources:

  • Prince of Songkla University Reports Findings in Atherosclerosis (Hybrid Aptamer Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles for Reducing Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Internalization by Macrophages). Nanotechnology Weekly. July 14, 2025; p 1025.
  • Hybrid Aptamer Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles for Reducing Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Internalization by Macrophages. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2025.

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