Abstract
Particle shape is believed to be a critical design parameter in biodistribution and biorecognition of
drug carriers. While conventional polymer particles are static in shape, implementing the shapememory
effect in particulate carriers has enabled an on-demand shape switching of particles from
covalently crosslinked polymers as well as thermoplastic polymers. This has opened a platform to
control cellular uptake of polymer particles by shape-switching.
In this contribution, the question is addressed if ellipsoidal shape with moderate aspect ratio will
be sufficient to enable differences in cellular uptake that are significant compared to spheres. For this
purpose, particle-to-cell concentrations,
particle size, and/or
particle aspect ratio are altered.
This analysis, conducted with
poly(ε-caprolactone) based
micronetwork particles under
conditions of multiple cellparticle
contact as relevant in
vivo, will enable concluding on
opportunities and limitations of
shape effects for shapeswitchable
particulate carriers.
Furthermore, this contribution will elaborate on opportunities for alternative geometries of shapeswitching
of particles, i.e. switching opportunities other than ellipsoid-to-sphere transitions. In
particular, a switching of particles towards increased aspect ratios will be explored.
