Ionic liquid‐mediated transdermal delivery of thrombosis‐detecting nanosensors

Abstract

Blood clotting disorders such as pulmonary embolism is associated with high morbidity and mortality. A large portion of thrombotic events occurs post-operative and after hospital discharge. Therefore, easily applicable, non-invasive and long-term monitoring of thrombosis occurrence is critical for urgent clinical intervention. Here, we propose the use of ionic liquids as a skin transport facilitator to deliver thrombin-sensitive nanosensors that enable prolonged monitoring of pulmonary embolism. Co-formulation of nanosensors with choline and geranic acid (CAGE) ionic liquids demonstrated significant transdermal diffusion into the dermis of the skin and provided sustained release into the blood throughout 72 hours. Upon reaching the systemic circulation, the nanosensors released reporter molecules into the urine by responding to activation of the clotting cascade and retained a diagnostic power for 24 hours in an acute pulmonary embolism mouse model. These results demonstrate a proof-of-concept disease monitoring system that can be topically applied by patients and potentially reducing mortality and high cost of hospitalization. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.