Nanoparticle size-dependent activation of the hemostasis and the innate immune system.

Abstract: Nanoparticles are small particles with a size range of 10-1000 nm. They exist all around us, in make-up, dust and even food. They can enter our bloodstream through different pathways such as inhalation and cause thrombosis and multiple organ failure. They can be modified to act as drug deliverers and can treat even hard to reach places because of their small size. Studies have shown that the activation of the coagulation system and complement system is dependent on the size of the nanoparticle. This study’s main focus was to determine if there was a difference in the degree of activation on hemostasis and innate immunity by using four different nanoparticle sizes. The Chandler loop model makes it possible for blood to incubate with the nanoparticles and still be circulating in 37oC similar to the situation in the body. ELISA was thereafter performed on the plasma to determine the concentration of thrombin- antithrombin complex (TAT), C3a and Terminal Complement Complex (TCC). The most activating particles size on the complements system was 260 nm and for the coagulation system it was the 75 nm. FXII assay was performed and the results collaborated with the findings from the ELISA that the smallest particle sizes are most activating on the coagulation system. Taken together, smaller nanoparticle sizes are activating the coagulation system while the bigger nanoparticle sizes are more activating on the complement system. To confirm these results additional research should be performed to statistically confirm the importance of these findings.