Image: Nanomaterials can provide images while administering drugs to combat PAD (Photo courtesy of the University of Texas at Arlington)
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), better known as atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, is a disease commonly found in the elderly. It affects more than 200 million people worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Now, a team of researchers aims to develop new biodegradable nanoparticles to provide therapeutic agents that specifically protect cells under stress, facilitate the formation of blood vessels under hypoxia, and enable non-invasive multimodal imaging methods.
Bioengineers at the University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX, USA) are working on a project to develop biodegradable nanomaterials that will take photos and deliver drugs to combat PAD. One of the impacts of the research is to use these new nanoparticle platforms to offer any therapy locally, treat the disease effectively, and control treatment non-invasively through imaging. The overall goal is to reduce complications and improve the quality of life of patients with PAD.
“What’s important about this project is that the technology has fluorescent imaging and ultrasound capabilities, which will provide patients and doctors with more detailed information,” said Kytai Nguyen, a professor of bioengineering at UT Arlington and principal investigator during the four years, $ 2.1. millions of grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “It also provides patients with more targeted medications, making them more efficient.”
“This cutting-edge technology has the opportunity to change our protocols on how to deal with atherosclerosis,” said Michael Cho, president of UT Arlington’s Department of Bioengineering, who believes Nguyen’s innovative research could help many who live with PAD. “When you can target localized lesions for treatment, this is much better for patients and much less invasive than current treatment.”
Related links: University of Texas at Arlington