Polymeric particles have recently been used to modulate the behavior of immune cells in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. However, there is little understanding of how physical particle parameters affect their specific interaction with different leukocyte subtypes. While particle shape is known to be a crucial factor in their phagocytosis by macrophages, where elongated particles are reported to experience reduced uptake, it remains unclear how shape influences phagocytosis by circulating phagocytes, including neutrophils that are the most abundant leukocyte in human blood. In this study, we investigated the phagocytosis of rod-shaped polymeric particles by human neutrophils relative to other leukocytes. In contrast to macrophages and other mononuclear phagocytes, neutrophils were found to exhibit increased internalization of rods in ex vivo and in vivo experimentation. This result suggests that alteration of particle shape can be used to selectively target neutrophils in inflammatory pathologies where these cells play a substantial role.

Vascular-targeted nanocarriers are an attractive option for the treatment of a number of cardiovascular diseases, as they allow for more specific delivery and increased efficacy of many small molecule drugs. However, immune clearance, limited cellular uptake, and particle-cell dynamics in blood flow can hinder nanocarrier efficacy in many applications. This review aims to investigate successful strategies for the use of vascular-targeted nanocarriers in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. In particular, the review will highlight strategies employed for actively targeting the components of the atherosclerotic plaque, including endothelial cells, macrophages, and platelets and passive targeting via endothelial permeability, as well as design specifications (such as size, shape, and density) aimed at enhancing the ability of nanocarriers to reach the vascular wall.

The two-step ESE method generated PLGA rods with major and minor axis down to 3.2 µm and 700 nm, respectively. Chloroform and sodium metaphosphate was the optimal solvent and surface-active molecule, respectively, for submicron rod fabrication. Rods demonstrated faster release of Nile Red compared to spheres and successfully targeted an inflamed endothelium under shear flow in vitro and in vivo.

Bile acids are proposed as therapeutic agents for various diseases, including liver diseases and obesity. However, oral or subcutaneous administration of a solubilized version of these drugs has limited efficacy and imposes unwanted side effects. Here, we describe a gold-templating method for fabricating stable, bile salt—cholate or deoxycholate—microparticles. The gold ions’ reduction at the oil-water interface in a double emulsion solvent evaporation process enables a gold–bile salt interaction and the formation of bile salt particles. We demonstrate that composite microparticles release cholate/deoxycholate into solution via a surface erosion process. We illustrate these particles’ capability to lyse adipocytes, both in vitro and in vivo, with minimal side effects, contrary to the Food and Drug Administration–approved salt solution that leads to severe inflammation and ulceration. Overall, particle-based cholate/deoxycholate opens opportunities for localized delivery of these salts, improving efficacy while minimizing side effects associated with oral and subcutaneous use.

Background Influenza A virus (IAV) infection is a continual threat to the health of animals and humans globally. Consumption of the conventional drugs has shown several side effects and drug resistance. This study was aimed to screen some Iranian medicinal plants extracts and their fractions against influenza A virus. Methods Glycyrrhiza glabra (rhizome), Myrtus  commonis (leaves), Melissa officinalis (leaves), Hypericum perforatum (aerial parts), Tilia platyphyllos (flower), Salix alba (bark), and Camellia sinensis (green and fermented leaves) were extracted with 80% methanol and fractionated with chloroform and methanol, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the compounds were determined by MTT colorimetric assay on MDCK cells. The effective concentrations (EC50) of the compounds were calculated from the MTT results compared to the negative control with no significant effects on cell viability. The effects of EC50 of the compounds on viral surface glycoproteins and viral titer were tested by HI and HA virological assays, respectively and compared with oseltamivir and amantadine. Preliminary phytochemical analysis were done for promising anti-IAV extracts and fractions. Results The most effective samples against IAV titer (P ≤ 0.05) were crude extracts of G. glabra, M. officinalis and S. alba; methanol fractions of M. communis and M. officinalis; and chloroform fractions of M. communis and C. sinensis (fermented) mostly in co- and pre-penetration combined treatments. The potential extracts and fractions were rich in flavonoids, tannins, steroids and triterpenoids. Conclusion The outcomes confirmed a scientific basis for anti-influenza A virus capacity of the extracts and fractions from the selected plants for the first time, and correlated their effects with their phytochemical constituents. It is worth focusing on elucidating pure compounds and identifying their mechanism(s) of action.