Development of innovative pH sensor nanoparticles: a new approach to evaluate phagocytosis

International audienceMacrophages (MA) from the respiratory tract constitute the first defense line against inhaled nanoparticles (NP) thanks to their phagocytic activity. The toxicity of NP mainly depends on their physicochemical characteristics (size, morphology, chemical surface groups...). However the relationship between the number of phagocytosed NP and their cellular activity is still unclear. In this context the accurate quantification of internalized NP by macrophages could allow a better assessment of NP toxicity and uptake mechanisms. The investigation of a relationship between NP internalization, physicochemical parameters and the degree of toxicity represents a crucial issue