The Mechanics of Vascular Targeting Nano-therapeutics

In the cardiovascular system mechanical factors, such as blood flow, play an important role in maintaining physiological function. Under pathological conditions, cardiovascular disease sites may results in an abnormal mechanical environment. Based on the fact that in regions of arterial stenosis fluidic shear stress can significantly exceed its normal level, we developed mechano-responsive drug carriers that can selectively deliver target drugs to these disease sites. Additionally, in order to rationally design vascular targeting nano-therapeutics, which are highly affected by blood flow, we use in silico/in vitro microfluidic models, as well as real size arterial models that allow us to study the behaviour of nano-medicines under relevant dynamic conditions. Altogether, our work illustrates the need for better understanding of the role of mechanics in cardiovascular nano-therapeutics.