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Updated: May 18, 2026
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) for Intracellular Targeting Applications
Published on: November 17, 2015
Surface functionality of nanoparticles determines cellular uptake mechanisms in mammalian cells
Krishnendu Saha1, Sung Tae Kim1, Bo Yan1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA 01003.
Cellular uptake of cationic gold nanoparticles depends on their surface properties and involves specific pathways. These nanoparticles exhibit distinct mechanisms in cancer versus normal cells, offering potential for targeted delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nanoparticles (NPs) are crucial for biomedical applications like drug delivery and bioimaging.
- The surface characteristics of NPs significantly influence their interaction with cells and therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular uptake mechanisms of cationic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
- To determine the role of NP surface functionality in cellular internalization.
- To explore differences in uptake pathways between cancer and normal cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pharmacological inhibitors to probe cellular uptake pathways.
- Investigated uptake in cancer cells (HeLa) and normal cells (MCF10A).
- Analyzed the involvement of caveolae, dynamin-dependent pathways, and scavenger receptors.
Main Results:
- Cellular uptake of cationic AuNPs is highly dependent on the NP surface monolayer.
- Uptake mechanisms primarily involve caveolae and dynamin-dependent pathways.
- Specific cell surface receptors, such as scavenger receptors, play a role in NP internalization.
- Distinct uptake mechanisms were observed in cancer cells compared to normal cells.
Conclusions:
- The surface chemistry of cationic gold nanoparticles dictates their cellular uptake pathways.
- Differences in nanoparticle uptake between cancer and normal cells present opportunities for developing selective drug delivery systems.
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