Comparative evaluation of the impact on endothelial cells induced by different nanoparticle structures and...

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Biocompatibility Studies
• Cellular Interactions

Background:

• Nanoparticle characteristics (shape, size, surface charge) significantly influence biological interactions.
• Understanding these interactions is crucial for safe and effective nanoparticle-based therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the biocompatibility of gold, Janus, and semiconductor (quantum dot) nanoparticles on endothelial cells.
• To establish general rules for nanoparticle biocompatibility and cellular uptake.

Main Methods:

• Exposure of endothelial cells to various nanoparticle types (gold, Janus, quantum dots).
• Assessment of cell viability and internalization mechanisms.
• Correlation of nanoparticle properties (shape, size, surface charge) with observed effects.

Main Results:

• Elongated nanoparticles exhibited stronger negative effects on cell viability than spherical ones.
• Positively charged nanoparticles (NH2, CyA) significantly reduced cell viability, unlike neutral or negatively charged nanoparticles.
• Nanoparticle size determined the endocytotic pathway: 20 nm via caveolae-mediated, 40 nm via clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis.

Conclusions:

• Five general rules for nanoparticle biocompatibility on endothelial cells were formulated.
• Surface charge and shape are critical determinants of nanoparticle toxicity.
• Size-dependent endocytosis pathways influence nanoparticle cellular uptake and intracellular fate.