GEOMETRICALLY ENGINEERED PARTICLES AND METHODS FOR MODULATING MACROPHAGE OR IMMUNE RESPONSES

摘要

Disclosed herein are geometrically engineered particles having varied shapes and sizes and surface charge which can incorporate drugs and/or other biomaterials for targeted delivery, such as pulmonary delivery. The size, shape, etc. of a particle can be designed and corresponding particles can be prepared that target or de-target immunological responses to the particles themselves, for example, the response of alveolar macrophages. Methods of modulating immune responses by utilizing the particles are also disclosed. The particles can be composed substantially of therapeutic, drug and polymer or can comprise polymers and proteins. The particles may also be composed of diagnostic agents and additional biomaterials to confer aerosolization and cellular uptake properties. The particles also may have a range of physical features such as fenestrations, angled arms, asymmetry and surface roughness, charge which alter the interactions with cells and tissues.