I. Taniguchi et al., Cell specificity of macromolecular assembly of cholesteryl and galactosidegroups-conjugated pullulan, J BIOACT C, 14(3), 1999, pp. 195-212
Galactose or lactose groups were conjugated to cholesterol-bearing pullulan
(CHP). The CHP derivatives obtained formed monodisperse nanoparticles upon
self-aggregation in water. Nanoparticles of galactoside-conjugated CHP sel
f-aggregates were specfically internalized by rat hepatocytes and HepG2 cel
ls. Galactoside-bearing CHP-coated liposome or oil droplet of O/W-emulsion
was also taken up by HepG2 cells. Tissue distribution of the nanoparticle C
HP self-aggregates changed dramatically with chemical conjugation of the ga
lactose moiety. Galactoside-bearing nanoparticles were specifically accumul
ated in the liver.