Influence of spacer length on the cellular uptake of polymeric nanoparticles

Nanotechnology is finding ever increasing application in the life science arena where nanoparticles can be used to deliver cargoes in cells. However, a clear understanding of the relationship between the chemical properties of the particle and its uptake efficiency is lacking. Herein, the effects on particle cellular uptake following modification with a variety of spacers, all bearing a positive charge, but differing in length, and the influence on formation of the protein corona are investigated. Although no significant differences in the composition of the protein corona are detected, the spacer length influences the cellular uptake of the nanoparticles. These findings will allow the target-orientated functionalisation of particles to increase the specificity of cellular uptake.