Functionalized graphene quantum dots for sakuranetin delivery to modulate the thromboinflammatory microenvironment in deep vein thrombosis.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) remains a major thromboembolic disorder characterized by endothelial dysfunction and uncontrolled thrombo-inflammation; current anticoagulants are limited by systemic toxicity and narrow therapeutic windows. We developed sakuranetin-loaded graphene quantum dots (SAK-GQDs) to enhance antithrombotic efficacy. SAK-GQDs were synthesized via citric acid-ethylenediamine carbonization, achieving an optimal encapsulation efficiency (81.3 ± 2.4%) and sustained drug release (43.2 ± 3.1% at pH 7.4 after 48 h). In inferior vena cava ligation-induced DVT in Wistar rats (n = 6 per group), SAK-GQDs at 40 mg/kg dose-dependently reduced thrombus weight (27.2 ± 3.9 mg vs. 37.5 ± 4.2 mg in controls), prolonged prothrombin time (37.8 ± 3.2 s) and activated partial thromboplastin time (47.2 ± 3.8 s), restored endothelial nitric oxide (12.8 ± 1.5 μmol/L), and suppressed systemic inflammation (IL-6: 0.35 ± 0.07; CRP: 0.21 ± 0.06). Histopathology confirmed significant thrombus resolution with preserved vessel integrity. SAK-GQDs represent a multifunctional nanoplatform integrating anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial-protective mechanisms.