Theranostic porphyrin nanoparticles identify atherosclerosis via multimodal imaging and elicit atheroprotective effects

Nankivell VA, Sandeman L, Stretton L, Vidanapathirana AK, Rajora MA, et al.

Materials Today Bio, 2025

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2025.102202

Abstract

Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, and non-invasive methods for early plaque detection and treatment are urgently needed. Here we demonstrate that theranostic porphyrin nanoparticles can identify atherosclerotic plaques via multimodal imaging while simultaneously exerting atheroprotective effects. HDL-mimicking porphyrin nanoparticles demonstrated preferential accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions detectable by fluorescence, photoacoustic, and MRI imaging modalities. Beyond imaging, these nanoparticles mediated photodynamic reduction of macrophage foam cell formation and reduced inflammatory signaling within plaques. In apolipoprotein E-deficient mouse models of atherosclerosis, treatment with porphyrin nanoparticles led to significant plaque stabilization and reduced lesion burden, establishing a compelling theranostic platform for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.