title: Complex encounters: nanoparticles in whole blood and their uptake into different types of white blood cells.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A whole blood assay for evaluating the uptake of nanoparticles into white blood cells in order to close the gap between basic studies in cell culture and pharmacokinetic studies in animals was developed.
  
  
  METHODS
  After drawing peripheral blood into standard blood collection vials with different anticoagulants, amino- and carboxy-functionalized polymeric styrene nanoparticles were added and uptake was evaluated by flow cytometry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  By counterstaining surface markers of leukocytes (e.g., monocytes, neutrophil granulocytes, B or T lymphocytes), investigations of different cell types can be conducted in a single run by flow cytometry. The authors demonstrated that anticoagulation should be done with heparin, and not EDTA, in order to prevent hampering of uptake mechanisms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By using heparinized whole blood, the authors demonstrated differences and usefulness of this assay for screening cellular uptake as it should occur in the bloodstream. Nevertheless, animal studies are warranted for final assessment of the nanoparticles.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Baumann
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hofmann
authors.forename: Sven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nullmeier
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Panther
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dietze
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Musyanovych
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ritz
authors.forename: Katharina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Landfester
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mailänder
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000378:metabolism; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006493:Heparin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D011137:Polystyrenes; D006493:Heparin; D004492:Edetic Acid