In vivo carotid artery closure by laser activation of hyaluronan-embedded gold nanorods.
We prove the first application of near-infrared-absorbing gold nanorods (GNRs) for in vivo laser closure of a rabbit carotid artery. GNRs are first functionalized with a biopolymeric shell and then embedded in hyaluronan, which gives a stabilized and handy laser-activable formulation. Four rabbits undergo closure of a 3-mm longitudinal incision performed on the carotid artery by means of a 810-nm diode laser in conjunction with the topical application of the GNRs composite. An effective surgery is obtained by using a 40-W/cm(2) laser power density. The histological and electron microscopy evaluation after a 30-day follow-up demonstrates complete healing of the treated arteries with full re-endothelization at the site of GNRs application. The absence of microgranuloma formation and/or dystrophic calcification is evidence that no host reaction to nanoparticles interspersed through the vascular tissue occurred. The observation of a reshaping and associated blue shift of the NIR absorption band of GNRs after laser treatment supports the occurrence of a self-terminating process, and thus of additional safety of the minimally invasive laser procedure. This study underlines the feasibility of using GNRs for in vivo laser soldering applications, which represents a step forward toward the introduction of nanotechnology-based therapies in minimally invasive clinical practices.
Matteini
Paolo
P
Institute of Applied Physics Nello Carrara, Italian National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. p.matteini@ifac.cnr.it
Ratto
Fulvio
F
Rossi
Francesca
F
Rossi
Giacomo
G
Esposito
Giuseppe
G
Puca
Alfredo
A
Albanese
Alessio
A
Maira
Giulio
G
Pini
Roberto
R
D000818:Animals; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011817:Rabbits; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*
D006046:Gold; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid