Interaction of stable colloidal nanoparticles with cellular membranes.

Authors :: Mahmoudi M
Meng J
Xue X
Liang XJ
Rahman M
Pfeiffer C
Hartmann R
Gil PR
Pelaz B
Parak WJ
Del Pino P
Carregal-Romero S
Kanaras AG
Tamil Selvan S
Source :: Biotechnology advances [Biotechnol Adv] 2014 Jul-Aug; Vol. 32 (4), pp. 679-92. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Dec 19.
Publication Year :: 2014
Abstract: Due to their ultra-small size, inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have distinct properties compared to the bulk form. The unique characteristics of NPs are broadly exploited in biomedical sciences in order to develop various methods of targeted drug delivery, novel biosensors and new therapeutic pathways. However, relatively little is known in the negotiation of NPs with complex biological environments. Cell membranes (CMs) in eukaryotes have dynamic structures, which is a key property for cellular responses to NPs. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of various interactions between advanced types of NPs and CMs.<br /> (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)