Phagocytosis of monosize polystyrene-based microspheres having different size and surface properties

In this study, nondegradable monosize polystyrene (PS) based polymeric microspheres with different size and surface chemistries were prepared by different polymerization techniques. Surfaces of the plain microspheres were further modified biologically by albumin (BSA) or fibronectin (Fn) preadsorption. Phagocytosis of these polymeric microspheres by leukocytes and macrophages were investigated. The phagocytic response of both leukocytes and macrophages decreased by increasing size of the particles. More hydrophilic particles phagocytosed less. Positive charges increased the uptake while negative charges oppositely reduced the uptake. BSA on the surface almost prevented the uptake, while Fn caused opsonization.