Nanomaterials Responsive to Endogenous Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Disease Theranostics

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death worldwide, which propels the development of advanced technologies for CVD diagnosis and treatment. Biomarker-responsive nanomaterials are appealing therapeutic platforms that provide new horizons for CVD theranostics. In this review, recent advances in nanomaterials with endogenous biomarkers as stimuli or targets for CVD theranostics is presented. First, the categories of biomarkers involved are comprehensively itemized based on pathological mechanisms including pH, reactive oxygen species, lipids, enzymes, macrophage receptors, subendothelium components, platelet receptors, inflammation, and osteopontin. The role of these biomarkers in bridge-building between nanomaterials and CVD is then presented. Next, the biomedical applications of nanomaterials responsive to endogenous biomarkers as stimuli or targets for the diagnosis and treatment of CVD are elaborated. Finally, the challenges and future research directions of biomarker-responsive nanomaterials in CVD are also discussed. This review will provide scientific guidance to facilitate clinical applications of biomarker-responsive nanomaterials.