Macrophage phagocytosis is a multistep process involving particle recognition, engulfment, and intracellular degradation. It is tightly regulated by cellular activation states (M1 vs. M2), surface receptors, and the surrounding cytokine milieu. Impaired phagocytic function is associated with diseases such as chronic infections, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Creative Biolabs offers a comprehensive FITC-dextran uptake assay to quantitatively evaluate macrophage phagocytosis capacity, delivering precise, reproducible, and publication-ready data for your immunology studies.

Phagocytic Function in Macrophages

As an essential part of the immune system, macrophages have the ability to engulf the tumor cells and release active chemicals to inhibit the development of tumors. Thus, the abnormal phagocytosis function of macrophages is closely associated with the occurrence of cancers.

Fig.1 The macrophage phagocytosis process.^1,3

By accurately quantifying phagocytosis, researchers can:

• Evaluate macrophage activation or polarization states.
• Investigate host-pathogen interactions.
• Screen immunotherapies or anti-inflammatory agents.
• Assess immune competency in disease models or clinical samples.

The FITC-dextran uptake assay is a widely accepted, fluorescence-based method for evaluating phagocytic activity in live macrophages. FITC-conjugated dextran molecules mimic soluble antigens or particles and are internalized via endocytosis or phagocytosis. The amount of internalized FITC-dextran reflects phagocytic efficiency and can be quantified via flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy.

Phagocytosis Capacity Analysis Service by FITC-Dextran Uptake Assay at Creative Biolabs

Phagocytosis capacity analysis service by FITC-dextran uptake assay from Creative Biolabs takes advantage of FITC-dextran to model pathogens and observe the ability of macrophages to phagocytose and digest these particles. We not only provide a macrophage phagocytosis capacity analysis service for diverse samples but also provide custom solutions to support your phagocytosis capacity analysis needs. In addition, we also deliver a service that helps customers isolate and culture macrophages to aid in achieving meaningful macrophage projects.

By the way, we have delivered a wide range of cost-effective drug development services targeting TAM to help global customers discover and develop novel macrophage-targeted compounds. At Creative Biolabs, we are confident in presenting high-quality and dependable outcomes for every customer together with our experienced research teams. We encourage customers to inquire and place orders.

Our phagocytosis capacity analysis service by FITC-dextran uptake assay is suitable for multiple types of samples:

• Adherent cells
• Suspension cells
• Bone marrow
• Peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• Spleen
• Others

Our macrophage phagocytosis analysis service follows a rigorous and customizable workflow to ensure robust, client-specific data.

Table 1 Service workflow of phagocytosis capacity analysis

Related Products

We offer the FITC-dextran uptake assay as an efficient assay for analyzing the phagocytic capacity of macrophages for foreign particles. In addition to this, we also offer a range of related lab products and solutions. Our products include high-purity assay kits, macrophage culture media and other related experimental consumables. These products undergo strict quality control to ensure the best reliability and reproducibility in your research.

Below are some of our popular products. You can click to view the details.

Service Features

High Sensitivity & Specificity

Detects even subtle changes in phagocytic activity using optimized FITC-dextran concentration and incubation conditions.

Customizable Cell Models

Supports human and murine macrophages, including RAW264.7, THP-1, and primary monocyte-derived macrophages.

Multiplex Capability

Differentiates M1/M2 macrophage subtypes and links phagocytic activity to polarization states. Enables concurrent assessment of phagocytosis and surface marker expression.

Publications

The researcher has utilized the FITC-dextran uptake assay to evaluate the phagocytosis capacity of macrophages from bone marrow, spleen, and peritoneum. These results show that bone marrow macrophages have the strongest phagocytic ability but macrophages derived from the peritoneum have stronger phagocytic capacity than macrophages from bone marrow and spleen based on the counting and fluorescence intensity observation of FITC-dextran taken up by macrophages from these three sources. This finding gives new insights into the phagocytic capabilities of macrophages from different sources.

Fig.2 Phagocytosis capacity of macrophages from bone marrow, spleen, and peritoneum.^2,4

Scientific Resources

Learn More Macrophage Biology

Download Macrophage Phagocytosis

Learn More Macrophages VS Phagocytes

Learn More Isolation and Identification of Macrophages

Q & A

Q: Can I test the time dynamics of phagocytic activity and dose-response curves in my experiments?

A: Yes. We can set multiple time points (e.g., 15 min, 30 min, 60 min) and different FITC-Dextran concentrations according to the customer's research purpose, in order to obtain the kinetic parameters of phagocytosis behavior with dose-dependent changes. All data can be provided in graphical form, including time-fluorescence curves, phagocytic index and positivity rate.

Q: Can it be combined with M1/M2 phenotyping or inflammatory factor secretion?

A: Yes. We support multiple labeling flow cytometric analysis of phagocytosis with phenotypic markers (e.g., CD86, CD206) or simultaneous detection of secretion levels of cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, etc., in the same batch of cells in order to systematically assess the functional changes of macrophages in different immune states.

Q: What is included in the service report?

A: The content of the report covers the description of the experimental principle, detailed procedures, fluorescence images (if applicable), flow analysis patterns, statistical analysis results (mean, standard deviation, P-value), and conclusions of the experiment, which meet the needs of scientific research publication and efficacy screening. Upon request, we can also provide additional raw data files to support data reproduction and further analysis.

Q: How long is the lab cycle? Can it be expedited?

A: The exact time depends on the type of sample, dimension of analysis and whether retesting is required. If you have any time requirement, you can communicate in advance and we will make a customized schedule for you.

References

1. Li, Si-Yuan, et al. "Anti-Tumor Strategies by Harnessing the Phagocytosis of Macrophages." Cancers 15.10 (2023): 2717. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15102717
2. Wang, Changqi, et al. "Characterization of murine macrophages from bone marrow, spleen and peritoneum." BMC Immunology 14.1 (2013): 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2172-14-6
3. Under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.
4. Under Open Access license CC BY 2.0, without modification.