Abstract
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are few of the nanoparticles used clinically. When MNPs are delivered into human body, they are ingested by macrophages. We evaluated the cellular response of macrophage after MNPs loading. In face of stimulation by lipopolysaccharide, a strong stimulant derived from bacterial cell wall, MNPs loaded macrophage exhibited decreased phagocytic activity and decreased generation of cytokines such as TNF-a, IL-1J3 whereas increased nitric oxide generation was noticed. Although these changes might decrease bactiericidal activity, it also alleviates the risk of senses, a life threatening phenomenon in infection patients. The finding has significant implications on nanoparticle based targeted drug delivery. Copyright © 2009 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America.