Phagocytosis of polymeric nanoparticles aided activation of macrophages to increase atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE(−/−) mice

The unique physiochemical properties of nanomaterials have been widely used in drug delivery systems and diagnostic contrast agents. The safety issues of biomaterials with exceptional biocompatibility and hemo-compatibility have also received extensive attention at the nanoscale, especially in cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we conducted a study of the effects of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) on the development of aortic atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE(−/−) mice. The particle size of PLGA NPs was 92.69 ± 3.1 nm and the zeta potential were − 31.6 ± 2.8 mV, with good blood compatibility. ApoE(−/−) mice were continuously injected with PLGA NPs intravenously for 4 and 12 weeks. Examination of oil red O stained aortic sinuses confirmed that the accumulation of PLGA NPs caused a significantly higher extension of atherosclerotic plaques and increasing the expression of associated inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α and IL-6. The combined exposure of ox-LDL and PLGA NPs accelerated the conversion of macrophages to foam cells. Our results highlight further understanding the interaction between PLGA NPs and the atherosclerotic plaques, which we should consider in future nanomaterial design and pay more attention to the process of using nano-medicines on cardiovascular diseases. [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-00863-y.