Table 3 Summary of parameters from literature using human species for sex-based difference studies
Reference | ||
|---|---|---|
Property | Vulpis et al. [42] | Serpooshan et al. [34] |
NP material | DOTAP | Quantum dots (Qtracker 525) |
Avg. NP size before plasma (nm) | ~ 140 | N/A |
Avg. NP size after plasma (nm) | ~ 215 | N/A |
Avg. NP zeta potential before plasma (-mV) | ~ 60 | 22 |
Avg. NP zeta potential after plasma (-mV) | ~ − 20 | 15 (F); 11 (M) |
Model (in vitro, in vivo, or ex vivo) | Ex vivo, in vitro | In vitro |
Plasma type | Blood plasma | hAMSC supernatant |
Sex-differences observed | NP uptake in NK cells is significantly greater in male cells; Soaking NP in plasma eliminated NK uptake sex-difference | Better colloidal stability in female-soaked QDs; Greater and faster QD uptake in male fibroblasts; Greater uptake in female hAMSCs; Cytokines found in greater amounts in male hAMSCs |
Possible mechanisms | Females have less NK cells due to aging and menopause | Male cells have less actin filaments and more clathrin facilitating uptake of QDs |