Polymer particle shape independently influences binding and internalization by macrophages.
The interaction of macrophages with micro and nanoparticles (MNPs) is important because these cells clear particles from the circulation, and because they are potential therapeutic targets in inflammatory conditions, atherosclerosis and cancer. Therefore, an understanding of the features of MNPs that influence their interaction with macrophages may allow optimization of their properties for enhanced drug delivery. In this study, we show that particle shape impacts phagocytosis by macrophages, and more importantly, that particle shape and size separately impact attachment and internalization. The study provides a methodology for further exploring how particle shape can be controlled to achieve desired attachment and internalization. The results of the study also give mechanistic guidance on how particle shape can be manipulated to design drug carriers to evade macrophages, or alternatively to target macrophages.
Sharma
Gaurav
G
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Valenta
David T
DT
Altman
Yoav
Y
Harvey
Sheryl
S
Xie
Hui
H
Mitragotri
Samir
S
Smith
Jeffrey W
JW
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D053758:Nanoparticles; D010316:Particle Size; D010587:Phagocytosis; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical; D013997:Time Factors
D004337:Drug Carriers; D011137:Polystyrenes