2007 October ; 25(10): 1165–1170 | Hak Soo Choi, Wenhao Liu, Preeti Misra, Eiichi Tanaka, John P. Zimmer, Binil Itty Ipe, Moungi G. Bawendi, and John V. Frangioni
The study investigates the renal clearance and urinary excretion of inorganic, metal-containing nanoparticles, using quantum dots (QDs) as a model system. The researchers found that zwitterionic or neutral organic coatings prevent the adsorption of serum proteins, which otherwise increase the hydrodynamic diameter (HD) by over 15 nm and hinder renal excretion. A final HD smaller than 5.5 nm resulted in rapid and efficient urinary excretion and elimination of QDs from the body. The study provides insights into the design and development of biologically targeted nanoparticles for biomedical applications, emphasizing the importance of controlling the HD and surface charge to ensure safe and effective clearance from the body.The study investigates the renal clearance and urinary excretion of inorganic, metal-containing nanoparticles, using quantum dots (QDs) as a model system. The researchers found that zwitterionic or neutral organic coatings prevent the adsorption of serum proteins, which otherwise increase the hydrodynamic diameter (HD) by over 15 nm and hinder renal excretion. A final HD smaller than 5.5 nm resulted in rapid and efficient urinary excretion and elimination of QDs from the body. The study provides insights into the design and development of biologically targeted nanoparticles for biomedical applications, emphasizing the importance of controlling the HD and surface charge to ensure safe and effective clearance from the body.