Controlling the uptake of nanomaterials into phagocytes is a challenging problem. We describe an approach to inhibit the cellular uptake by macrophages and HeLa cells of nanoparticles derived from bacteriophage Qβ by conjugating negatively charged terminal hexanoic acid moieties onto its surface. Additionally, we show hydrazone linkers can be installed between the surface of Qβ and the terminal hexanoic acid moieties, resulting in a pH-responsive conjugate that, in acidic conditions, can release the terminal hexanoic acid moiety and allow for the uptake of the Qβ nanoparticle. The installation of the "pH switch" did not change the structure-function properties of the hexanoic acid moiety and the uptake of the Qβ conjugates by macrophages.
Keywords: Qβ; cellular uptake; macrophages; nanomaterials; phagocytes.