The enhanced permeability and retention effect based nanomedicine at the site of injury

The enhanced permeability retention (EPR) effect based nanomedicine has been widely used for tumor targeting during the past decades. Here we unexpectedly observed the similar EPR effect at the site of injury. We found that the temporary dilated and leaky blood vessels caused by the potent vasodilator histamine in response to injury allowed the injected nanoparticles to pass through the vasculature and reached the injured tissue. Our finding shows the potential underline mechanism of EPR effect at the injured site. By loading with antibiotics, we further demonstrated a new strategy for prevention of infection at the site of injury.