Synthetic Nanoparticle Has HDL's Ability To Scavenge Free Cholesterol

The development of a synthetic nanoparticle that mimics the structure and function of HDL (high density lipoprotein) may herald the beginning of a new era of treatment for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Investigators at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL, USA) used a gold nanoparticle as the core upon which to build synthetic HDL. They coated the core particle with two lipid layers, and then embedded apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) protein into the upper lipid layer. Apo A-I is the major protein component of HDL.
The result, which was described in the January 9, 2009, online edition of the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), was a particle 18 nanometers in diameter with the surface composition of natural HDL and the ability to bind free cholesterol.

"HDL is a natural nanoparticle, and we have successfully mimicked it,” said senior author Dr. Chad A. Mirkin, professor of medicine at Northwestern University. "Gold is an ideal scaffolding material -- its size and shape can be tailored, and it can be easily functionalized. Using gold nanoparticles, which are non-toxic, for synthetic HDL bodes well for the development of a new therapeutic. We have designed and built a cholesterol sponge. The synthetic HDL features the basics of what a great cholesterol drug should be.”


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