The use of polymer-based nanoparticles and nanostructured materials in treatment and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases: Recent advances and emerging designs

This review summarizes important advances in polymer-based nanotechnologies for the treatment and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, focusing on nanoparticles and nanostructured materials/devices. The current state of the art and design parameters are discussed with the aim of providing a source of information that can aid in the development of new treatments by bridging between materials development, preclinical, and clinical trials. This is highly relevant as cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death worldwide and as current treatments burden the healthcare systems with great costs. Different strategies, from targeting theranostic nanocarriers, to dual-drug depot systems, injectable cell scaffolds, and LDL acceptors are treated. The review ends with a concluding outlook on the possibilities and challenges presented to polymer-based nanotechnologies in cardiovascular disease therapy.