Tiny Solutions for a Big Problem: Nanoparticle Therapy for Myocardial Infarctions (MI)

What is myocardial infarction? 

A myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle (the myocardium) is suddenly blocked, most often by a blood clot. An MI can sometimes go unnoticed, but it may also lead to severe complications such as hemodynamic deterioration—an inadequate supply of oxygen to the body’s organs—or even death.

The primary cause of myocardial infarction is coronary artery disease, though genetic factors and weakened immune function can also contribute. Two main mechanisms are:

1. Atherosclerosis – the buildup of fatty plaques in the coronary arteries. These plaques narrow the arteries and may rupture, triggering the formation of a blood clot that blocks blood supply to part of the heart muscle.

2. Vasospasms – sudden constriction of a coronary artery that temporarily stops blood flow, which can also trigger a heart attack.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, drug use, poor diet, and lack of physical activity can significantly increase the risk of myocardial infarction.

What are these tiny things called nanoparticles?

Nanoparticles are extremely small particles, typically 1–100 nanometers (nm) in size, with unique physical and chemical properties that differ from bulk materials. Their high surface area-to-volume ratio gives them increased reactivity, altered melting points, and distinctive optical and electronic behavior. These features make nanoparticles important in bridging the gap between atomic structures and larger-scale materials, as well as in interacting with living cells for medical applications.

One of their most promising roles is in targeted drug delivery. By coating nanoparticles with specific ligands, essentially disguising them within cell membranes, scientists can direct them to specific tissues or cells within the body, ensuring that treatments reach exactly where they are needed.

Nanoparticle therapy for MI

Nanoparticle-based therapy offers new ways to treat myocardial infarction. When coated with ligands, nanoparticles can target inflamed heart tissue after an infarction. The injury site expresses specific “molecular labels” that guide the nanoparticles, enabling them to release their drug directly where it is needed. This minimizes side effects and increases potency as unaffected tissue if not affected. Not only can nanoparticles aid during initial treatment but they can also deliver antioxidants to reduce tissue damage and prevent further cell death caused by oxidative stress. They can also carry growth factors or RNA molecules to stimulate new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) and reduce fibrosis (scarring), both of which support heart repair and long-term recovery.

Nanoparticle research is a rapidly growing field that is proving crucial for advancing the treatment of myocardial infarction. Though tiny in size, nanoparticles have the potential to deliver powerful, precise therapies—offering new hope for improving outcomes after heart attacks.

References

1. Ojha, N. (2023, August 8). Myocardial infarction. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537076/

2. Pan, Q. et al. (2021, October 1). Nanoparticles: Promising tools for the treatment and prevention of myocardial infarction. International journal of nanomedicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8491866/

3. Murthy, S. K. (2007). Nanoparticles in modern medicine: State of the art and future challenges. International journal of nanomedicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2673971/

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board