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Fig. 6 | Journal of Nanobiotechnology

Fig. 6

From: Engineered atherosclerosis-specific zinc ferrite nanocomplex-based MRI contrast agents

Fig. 6

Schematic representation of different mechanisms of passive and targeted nanocomplex delivery and cellular internalization at the atherosclerotic inflammatory region. The diagram schematically represents targeted and passive delivery and cellular interaction of nanocomplexes (Hsp-70 Lf-ZF, Hsp-70 Lf-PEG-ZF and Hsp-70 Ch-Lf-ZF) at the site of atherosclerotic inflammation. The nanocomplexes in the luminal hydrodynamic flow have been shown to enter the intimal layer due at the plaque site due to endothelial denudation or leaky vasculature. The Ch-Lf-ZF nanocomplex has been represented to cross the intimal endothelial layer by paracellular and transcellular pathways and also interacting with the mucin receptors followed by internalization. The cells under stress at the plaque sites exhibit cytoprotective Hsp-70 overexpression and therefore the Hsp-70 targeted nanocomplexes have been shown to interact with multiple cell types followed by internalization. Lactoferrin mediated cellular interaction and receptor-mediated (TfR, TfR1, TfR2, LfR, LRP, LRP1) internalization has been shown with a representative macrophage cell (enlarged). Also, Lactoferrin potentially interacts with the macrophage scavenger receptor saturating further lipoprotein uptake by the macrophages and preventing further inflammation. The nanoparticles also exhibiting endocytosis and pinocytosis has also been represented. The nanocomplexes finally breakdown and the zinc ferrite nanoparticles released within the cells

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