Rapid uptake of gold nanorods by primary human blood phagocytes and immunomodulatory effects of surface chemistry.

Nanoparticle-based in vivo applications should consider the omnipresence of the phagocytes in the bloodstream and tissue. We have studied the nanoparticle uptake capacities of the most important human primary leukocyte populations using a nanoparticle library encompassing both rod-shaped and spherical gold nanoparticles with diameters between 15 and 50 nm and a variety of surface chemistries. Cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB)-stabilized nanoparticles were internalized rapidly within 15 min and in large amounts by macrophages and to a lower extent also by monocytes.

Induction of specific macrophage subtypes by defined micro-patterned structures.

In this study, we investigated the influence of different perfluoropolyether (PFPE) microstructures on the inflammatory response of human macrophages. We generated four different microstructured PFPE surfaces by replica molding from silicon masters. The function-associated surface markers 27E10 and CD163 were monitored using flow cytometry to measure the pro- and anti-inflammatory reactions.

Regulation of MMP-2 gene transcription in dermal wounds.

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2, gelatinase A) plays an essential role in angiogenesis, inflammation, and fibrosis. These processes are critical for wound healing and accordingly elevated levels of MMP-2 expression have been detected after skin injury. Our goal was to investigate the transcriptional activation of the MMP-2 gene in a model of skin injury by using two different MMP-2/LacZ-reporter mice.