New insights to atherosclerosis management: Role of nanomaterials

•Novel nanostructures can improve the stability, water solubility and absorbability of therapeutic and diagnostic agents, reagents or drugs;.•The protection prevents small molecular agents from physiological degradation which extends their circulation time;.•By decorating with functional probes, nanomaterials afford activity agents higher binding and absorption efficiency to target cells and tissues;.•Reducing active agents’ side effects and toxicity.