Polymer Properties That Activate Macrophages to Kill Lymphoma Cells

While it is known that polymer properties influence phagocytosis in macrophages, there has not been a systematic study detailing the effects various functional groups produce in regards to this process.  Subsequently, the effects of polymer properties on macrophage polarization are also unknown.  By using sodium alginate nanoparticles, targeted chemotherapeutic drug delivery to cancer cells can be achieved.  The use of these nanoparticles allows for variation in functional groups, providing a suitable method of determining the effects polymer properties have on macrophage reprogramming and phagocytosis.  In addition to the chemotherapeutic, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) will ideally kill cancer cells when reprogrammed into M1 macrophages.