Spherical versus prolate spheroidal particles in biosciences: Does the shape make a difference?

In this mini‐review, the main differences between spherical and spheroidal particles in terms of their size, surface area, morphology, and ability to penetrate biological membranes are described. The main routes of manufacturing of prolate spheroidal particles with controlled aspect ratio are reported. There are also shown exemplary results of computational and experimental studies of spheroids useful in biomedical applications, such as controlled drug delivery and numerical studies of the passage of spheroids through biological membranes. The relations of shape, size, aspect ratio of spheroidal particles and particle–biological membrane interactions, bioavailability, and flow in blood vessels are presented. The perspectives for future studies leading to resolve crucial problems and to explain basic issues related to acting of ellipsoidal particles in biological environment are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]