# Phosphorene nanosheets with Resolvin D1 cut plaque area to 9.4% in mice with atherosclerosis

- Published: 2026-11-05 10:56 UTC
- Section: Life & Health › Biotechnology
- Tags: atherosclerosis nanotherapy, phosphorene nanosheets, macrophage efferocytosis, M2-like macrophage polarization, Resolvin D1, KC11 peptide, plaque stability, ApoE−/− mice, MerTK, PPAR-γ
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-83c160e09be45790ee509f4c_phosphorene_nanosheets_with/

**Authors report that a peptide-targeted phosphorene carrier restored macrophage efferocytosis in mice with advanced atherosclerosis. The work is preclinical.**

![Phosphorene nanosheets with Resolvin D1 cut plaque area to 9.4% in mice with atherosclerosis](https://sgzwpqqelzmajkcubgkl.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/rt-media/2026/11/38bb49567720fb90.jpg)
*National Institute of Standards and Technology, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain*

Researchers have described a targeted nanoplatform based on phosphorene, a form of black phosphorus, that restored the clearance of dying cells by macrophages and reduced atherosclerotic plaque area in mice, according to a paper in Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B. [1] In ApoE−/− mice with advanced atherosclerosis, plaques covered 9.4% of the total aortic area in the group given the full formulation, compared with 32.4% in saline-treated controls. [1]

In advanced lesions, macrophages lose the ability to remove dying cells, a process called efferocytosis, and tend to adopt a pro-inflammatory M1-like phenotype. Both changes contribute to plaque progression and instability. [1]

## Design of the nanoplatform

The authors modified phosphorene nanosheets with KC11, a peptide that binds collagen IV, and loaded them with Resolvin D1, a lipid mediator that helps resolve inflammation. The resulting formulation is called PP@KC/RD. In mice, it accumulated in atherosclerotic plaques and was efficiently taken up by macrophages in the lesions. [1]

In cell experiments, the formulation enhanced efferocytosis and shifted macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotype. Mechanistic studies linked the improved clearance to higher expression of the MerTK receptor and reduced CaMKIIγ signaling. Increased PPAR-γ expression supported the reprogramming of the macrophages. [1]

## Results in mice

The mice received intravenous treatment twice a week for 12 weeks. The full formulation reduced plaque burden more effectively than Resolvin D1 alone or the targeted carrier alone. [1]

Plaques in the treated animals also had smaller necrotic cores and larger collagen cap areas. The authors describe these features as consistent with greater plaque stability. [1]

Tissue examinations, blood chemistry and blood cell measurements showed no obvious toxicity under the tested conditions. [1]

The authors suggest that phosphorene can serve both as a drug carrier and as an immune-modulating component. The findings are preclinical, and further research is needed to establish safety and efficacy in people. [1]

## Sources

1. [Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsb.2026.08.006)
2. [EurekAlert](https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1150413)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-83c160e09be45790ee509f4c_phosphorene_nanosheets_with/