Figure 3.

Nanoparticle strategies arising from material properties. (A) Core-shell formulations of PEG, polystyrene, and mucic acid of varying compositions modulate physical properties. Increasing hydrophobic cores mimic modified LDL and can compete with its uptake via scavenger receptors, ultimately reducing macrophage lipid uptake. (*) indicates statistical significance from oxLDL control (p ≤ 0.05). Reproduced (adapted) with permission from [105]; (B) CuS nanoparticles act as infrared thermotransducers to control cationic channels important for atherosclerosis processes. Upon irradiation, CuS NPs targeted to TRPV1 heat up and trigger the cation channel to open, allowing a flood of calcium and activation of autophagy processes, preventing atherosclerosis in the aortic root as well as in the entire aorta. Reproduced (adapted) from [108].