Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Detection and Treatment of Atherosclerotic Vulnerable Plaques

The instability of atherosclerotic plaque is seriously harmful to human health. The nanoparticle molecular probe we prepared can simultaneously achieve magnetic resonance and ultrasound imaging, which is expected to reflect the pathophysiological characteristics of plaque at the molecular level. The phase change induced by low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can cause the apoptosis of macrophages in plaque，which has the potential for phase change ablation of plaque.1 It provides a simple, effective, safe and non-invasive new method for early diagnosis, treatment and efficacy monitoring of vulnerable plaque.