Temperature-induced gel formation of core/shell nanoparticles for the regeneration of ischemic heart

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-loaded core/shell nanoparticles were prepared and their gelation behavior in response to temperature was characterized for the regeneration of ischemic heart. The core is composed of lecithin containing VEGF and the shell is composed of Pluronic F-127 (poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer). When Capryol 90 (propylene glycol monocaprylate) was added to an aqueous solution of the core/shell nanoparticles, a temperature-induced gel composed of core/shell nanoparticles was observed to form at body temperature. This phenomenon was utilized for the stable localization of core/shell nanoparticles at the ischemic area. For an in vivo assessment, VEGF-loaded core/shell nanoparticles with and without inducement of the gel formation were applied to a subacute myocardial infarction model in rats and functional analysis of the heart was monitored by means of a PV catheter four weeks later. The results showed that the VEGF-loaded core/shell nanoparticles and their gel improved the heart functions, particularly with regard to the ejection fraction and cardiac output.