Antithrombotic nanoparticles and methods for treating necrotizing enterocolitis

1. A method of treating necrotizing enterocolitis in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an antithrombotic nanoparticle comprising a thrombin inhibitor.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antithrombotic nanoparticle comprises a core and an outer layer.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the outer layer comprises the thrombin inhibitor.

4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the core comprises the thrombin inhibitor.

5. The method of claim 2 , wherein both the outer layer and the core comprise the thrombin inhibitor.

6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the core comprises perfluorocarbon.

7. The method of claim 2 , wherein the outer layer of the antithrombotic nanoparticle further comprises a ligand that targets an intestinal endothelial cell.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antithrombotic nanoparticle has a size ranging from about 50 nm to about 1000 nm.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the antithrombotic nanoparticle has a size about 250 nm.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the thrombin inhibitor is bivalirudin.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the thrombin inhibitor is D-phenylalanyl-N-[(1S)-4-[(aminoiminomethyl)amino]-1-(2-chloroacetyl)butyl]-L-prolinamide, trifluoroacetate salt (PPACK).

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antithrombotic nanoparticle further comprises an antiplatelet agent.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the antithrombotic nanoparticle inhibits platelet activation.

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the administration of the antithrombotic nanoparticle decreases a level of tissue factor (TF).

15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the administration of the antithrombotic nanoparticle decreases intestinal damage.