Interaction of nanomaterials with cells and their medical applications

Many studies have been conducted on the development of nanomaterials for medical applications. The interaction of nanomaterials with human cells is the most important criterion for biomedical application and has been studied in detail. Three common approaches have been suggested for nanomaterial mechanisms for cellular interaction and internalization: direct diffusion or disruption to the plasma membrane, endocytosis, and entry through ion channels and transporter proteins. Several important factors affect the interaction and cellular uptake of nanomaterials: size, shape, rigidity, surface properties, cell type, and endocytotic pathways. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of cell-nanomaterial interactions, and the various factors that influence these interactions. The importance of proper cell-nanomaterial interaction for medical research applications is also highlighted. The results summarized in this review may add new dimensions to our understanding of cell-nanomaterial interactions and their applications in therapeutic and diagnostic techniques for biomedical, academic, and industrial research.