Particle Shape: A New Design Parameter for Passive Targeting In Splenotropic Drug Delivery

The role of particle size and surface modification on biodistribution of nanocarriers is widely reported. We report for the first time the role of nanoparticle shape on biodistribution. Our study demonstrates that irregular shaped polymer lipid nanoparticles (LIPOMER) evade kupffer cells and localize in the spleen. We also demonstrate the macrophage-evading characteristic of the irregular-shaped LIPOMER. Our results suggest particle shape as an important tool for passive targeting of nanocarriers in splenotropic drug delivery. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 99:2576-2581, 2010