Erythrocyte-derived particles for near infrared phototherapy of port wine stains.

The project aims to overcome limitations of current PWS treatments by developing c⁺-µNETs to prolong ICG circulation and increase its availability in lesion vasculature. This involves fabricating and characterizing c⁺-µNETs, characterizing their circulation and biodistribution dynamics in a rabbit model, and evaluating their therapeutic efficacy in conjunction with pulsed NIR laser irradiation. Transgenic mice with variable melanin content will be used to determine laser radiant exposure thresholds for epidermal injury and blood vessel photocoagulation. The ultimate goal is to establish safe and effective protocols for laser treatment of PWS patients by determining optimal treatment times and radiant exposure levels for various skin pigmentations.