“Dextran-based Therapeutic Nanoparticles for Hepatic Drug Delivery”
F. Foerster, D. Bamberger, J. Schupp, M. Weilbächer, L. Kaps, S. Strobl, L. Radi, M. Diken, D. Strand, A. Tuettenberg, P. R. Wich, D. Schuppan
Nanomedicine 2016, 11 (20), 2663–2677. (DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2016-0156)

Abstract:
Aim: Evaluation of dextran-based nanoparticles (DNP) as a drug delivery system to target myeloid cells of the liver. Materials & methods: DNP were synthesized and optionally PEGylated. Their toxicity and cellular uptake were studied in vitro. Empty and siRNA-carrying DNP were tested in vivo with regard to biodistribution and cellular uptake. Results: In vitro, DNP were taken up by cells of the myeloid lineage without compromising their viability. In vivo, empty and siRNA-carrying DNP distributed to the liver where a single treatment addressed approximately 70% of macrophages and dendritic cells. Serum parameters indicated no in vivo toxicity. Conclusion: DNP are multifunctional liver-speci c drug carriers which lack toxic side effects and may be utilized in clinical applications targeting liver macrophages.