Polymeric nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction: Challenges and future prospects

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite extensive efforts to provide early diagnosis and adequate treatment regimens, detection of MI still faces major limitations and pathological MI complications continue to threaten the recovery of survivors. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) represent novel noninvasive drug delivery systems for the diagnosis and treatment of MI and subsequent prevention of fatal heart failure. In this review, we cover the recent advances in polymeric NP-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for MI and their application as multifunctional theranostic tools. We also discuss the in vivo behavior and toxicity profile of polymeric NPs, their application in noninvasive imaging, passive, and active drug delivery, and use in cardiac regenerative therapy. We conclude with the challenges faced with polymeric nanosystems and suggest future efforts needed for clinical translation.