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Nanothermodynamics mediates drug delivery
Aikaterina L Stefi1, Evangelia Sarantopoulou, Zoe Kollia
1National Hellenic Research Foundation, Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, Athens, 11635, Greece, kstefi@eie.gr.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|November 24, 2014
Summary
Nanothermodynamic and entropic potentials influence nanodrug cell membrane penetration. These interfacial forces cause non-uniform nanoparticle concentration around macrophages, affecting drug delivery efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Physical Chemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nanodrug efficacy relies on cell membrane penetration.
- Nanosize introduces transport complexities due to nanothermodynamic and entropic potentials at interfaces.
- Common molecular drugs diffuse differently than nanodrugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of nanothermodynamic and entropic potentials on nanodrug concentration at cell membranes.
- To compare nanoparticle behavior at biological interfaces versus model surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Studied nano-sized polynuclear iron (III)-hydroxide in sucrose nanoparticles.
- Observed nanoparticle concentration around macrophage cell membranes in vivo.
- Compared nanoparticle distribution to that on hydrophobic prototype surfaces.
Main Results:
- Nano-sized iron (III)-hydroxide nanoparticles exhibited non-uniform concentration around macrophage cell membranes.
- Hydrophobic prototype surfaces showed uniform nanoparticle concentration.
- The observed non-uniformity was attributed to interfacial nanothermodynamic and entropic potentials.
Conclusions:
- Nanothermodynamic and entropic potentials significantly modulate nanoparticle concentration at biological interfaces.
- These potentials can enhance or inhibit nanoparticle accumulation near cell membranes.
- Understanding these potentials is crucial for optimizing nanodrug delivery and intracellular penetration.
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