Background and objectiveMicrofabricated particles with nanosized features may serve an important role in the next generation of drug delivery vehicles. Microfabrication (micro-electromechanical systems) technologies offer the promise of both structural elements (e.g. pores, reservoirs) and electromechanical features (e.g. timers, valves, actuators) built into a single particle. In order to serve as carriers to deliver drugs to systemic sites of action, such as tumours, the particles must be safe to administer intravenously. An acute safety study was performed in a mouse model, using intravenous injection of solid silicon dioxide particles created to simulate the size and shape of potential targeted drug delivery vehicles.DesignTwo-micron thick, square and circular, parallelepiped-shaped particles were produced with varying sizes of 2µm, 5µm and 10µm using microfabrication techniques and injected into groups of mice (six mice per group) over a range of doses. End-points included acute lethality, clinical signs of toxicity and weight loss. Sections of major organs were sampled for histological examination.ResultsAt dose levels of 1 × 108particles per mouse, circular particles of 2µm and 5µm showed no signs of acute toxicity. Similar results were obtained with the 2µm and 5µm square silicon dioxide particles; however, 14-day necropsy indicates fewer 5μm circular particles in the lung than 5μm square particles, indicating that the shape of the particles may impact on safety. Acute lethality was observed for 10µm particles; none of the mice injected with the 10µm particles survived except at very low dose levels of 6 × 105particles per mouse.ConclusionsSolid silicon particles greater than 5µm in their largest dimension are cleared in the lungs and are not safe for intravenous delivery. Particles of 2–5µm in size do not lodge predominantly in the lung and do not cause acute toxicity, but accumulate in organs such as the liver and spleen. Possible chronic toxicities associated with organ uptake of such non-biodegradable particles have yet to be addressed.