Identification of polyethylene glycol-resistant macrophages on stealth imaging in vitro using fluorescent organosilica nanoparticles

An in vitro imaging system to evaluate the stealth function of nanoparticles against mouse macrophages was established using fluorescent organosilica nanoparticles. Surface-functionalized organosilica nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol (PEG) were prepared by a one-step process, resulting in a brush-type PEG layer. A simultaneous dual-particle administration approach enabled us to evaluate the stealth function of nanoparticles with respect to single cells using time-lapse fluorescent microscopic imaging and flow cytometry analyses. Single-cell imaging and analysis revealed various patterns and kinetics of bare and PEGylated nanoparticle uptake. The PEGylated nanoparticles revealed a stealth function against most macrophages (PEG-sensitive macrophages); however, a stealth function against certain macrophages (PEG-insensitive macrophages) was not observed. We identified and characterized the PEG-resistant macrophages that could take up PEGylated nanoparticles at the same level as bare nanoparticles.