Synergistic Integration and Pharmacomechanical Function of Enzyme-Magnetite Nanoparticle Swarms for Low-Dose Fast Thrombolysis

Magnetic micro-/nanoparticles are extensively explored over the past decade as active diagnostic/therapeutic agents for minimally invasive medicine. However, sufficient function integration on these miniaturized bodies toward practical applications remains challenging. This work proposes a synergistic strategy via integrating particle functionalization and bioinspired swarming, demonstrated by recombinant tissue plasminogen activator modified magnetite nanoparticles (rtPA-Fe 3 O 4 NPs) for fast thrombolysis in vivo with low drug dosage. The synthesized rtPA-Fe 3 O 4 NPs exhibit superior magnetic performance, high biocompatibility, and thrombolytic enzyme activity. Benefiting from a customized magnetic operation system designed for animal experiments and preclinical development, these agglomeration-free NPs can assemble into micro-/milli-scale swarms capable of robust maneuver and reconfigurable transformation for on-demand tasks in complex biofluids. Specifically, the spinning mode of the swarm exerts focused fluid shear stresses while rubbing on the thrombus surface, constituting a mechanical force for clot breakdown. The synergy of the NPs’ inherent enzymatic effect and swarming-triggered fluid forces enables amplified efficacy of thrombolysis in an in vivo occlusion model of rabbit carotid artery, using lower drug concentration than clinical dosage. Furthermore, swarming-enhanced ultrasound signals aid in imaging-guided treatment. Therefore, the pharmacomechanical NP swarms herein represent an injectable thrombolytic tool joining advantages of intravenous drug therapy and robotic intervention.