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Evaluation of nanoparticle immunotoxicity

Abstract

The pharmaceutical industry is developing increasing numbers of drugs and diagnostics based on nanoparticles, and evaluating the immune response to these diverse formulations has become a challenge for scientists and regulatory agencies alike. An international panel of scientists and representatives from various agencies and companies reviewed the imitations of current tests at a workshop held at the National Cancer Institute in Frederick, Maryland. This article outlines practical strategies for identifying and controlling interferences in common evaluation methods and the implications for regulation.

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Figure 1: Nanoparticles interfere with traditional LAL assays.
Figure 2: Decision tree for selecting the appropriate endotoxin test, and approaches for overcoming nanoparticle interference.
Figure 3: Selecting tests for studying the compatibility of nanoparticles with blood.

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Correspondence to Marina A. Dobrovolskaia.

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Dobrovolskaia, M., Germolec, D. & Weaver, J. Evaluation of nanoparticle immunotoxicity. Nature Nanotech 4, 411–414 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2009.175

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