Photothermal nanomaterials for theranostics of atherosclerosis and thrombosis

Nonradiative therapies focusing on converting energy from light into heat (photothermal therapy, PTT) have been widely studied for the treatment of cancers. In the last years, interests in the potential therapeutic efficiency of PTT in cardiovascular diseases have grown quickly. Nonetheless, research in this field is still limited and requires further attention. One of the advantages of nanocarriers used as photothermal agents is the possibility to integrate multimodal imaging and therapeutic functions as a solution to address the current limitations in the clinic. In this review, we first explain the mechanism of nanoparticle-mediated photothermal therapy and summarize the advances in the development of inorganic, organic, and hybrid nano photothermal transduction agents (PTAs). Then we discuss the toxicity, challenges and limitations encountered in the development of phototherapy for cardiovascular diseases. The review concludes with highlighting possible solutions for improving PTT in this specific field.