Zebrafish as a predictive screening model to assess macrophage clearance of liposomes in vivo

Macrophage recognition of nanoparticles is highly influenced by particle size and surface modification. Due to the lack of appropriate in vivo screening models, it is still challenging and time-consuming to characterize and optimize nanomedicines regarding this undesired clearance mechanism. Therefore, we validate zebrafish embryos as an emerging vertebrate screening tool to assess the macrophage sequestration of surface modified particulate formulations with varying particle size under realistic biological conditions. Liposomes with different PEG molecular weights (PEG350-PEG5000) at different PEG densities (3.0-10.0 mol%) and particle sizes between 60 and 120 nm were used as a well-established reference system showing various degrees of macrophage uptake. The results of in vitro experiments, zebrafish embryos, and in vivo rodent biodistribution studies were consistent, highlighting the validity of the newly introduced zebrafish macrophage clearance model. We hereby present a strategy for efficient, systematic and rapid nanomedicine optimization in order to facilitate the preclinical development of nanotherapeutics.