Smart nanoparticles for the detection of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque and their therapeutic stabilisation

This  thesis  describes  the  development  of  smart  nanoparticles  for  diagnostic  and therapeutic  stabilization  of  atherosclerosis.  Atherosclerosis  is  an  inflammatory disorder of an artery that can lead to plaque rupture and life-threatening cardiovascular complications.  The  understanding  of  the  progress  of  atherosclerotic  plaque  is essential  for  strategizing  the  therapeutic  interventions;  hence  a  smart  nanoparticle carrying  a  diagnostic  imaging  agent  and  the  therapeutic  agent  would  be  an  ideal choice  and  represents  a  dire  need.  I  developed  and  investigated  ultrasound- responsive nanoparticles (nanobubbles) for diagnostic and therapeutic stabilization of atherosclerosis.  Our  results  are  encouraging  and  have  potential  to  be  clinically translated.