Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
Drug Targeting Strategies Based on Charge Dependent Uptake of Nanoparticles into Cancer Cells
Maryam Saadat1, Fahimeh Zahednezhad, Parvin Zakeri-Milani
1Student Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract:
The aim of this review was to describe the preferred charged nano-particles (CNPs) for targeted delivery in tumor cells. Zeta Potential (ZP), which represents the surface charge of NPs was highlighted in cell entrance and interactions. In this regard, various types of endocytosis pathways which are involved in NPs' uptake were first introduced. Then, significance of positively charged NPs (PCNPs) in proton sponge effect corresponding to lysosomal escape was discussed. Cells prefer to endocyte the NPs with positive charge in passive targeting and gene delivery, while in active targeting; the charge of receptors' ligand binding site determines the NPs cellular uptake. Moreover, pH-sensitive NPs represent charge reversible behavior depending on pH changes which leads to longer blood circulation residence and higher uptake at acidic microenvironment of the cancer media. Role of the CNPs in overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) and bypassing p-glycoprotein was further investigated.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dependence
Formal Charges
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Ions and Ionic Charges
Targets for Drug Action: Overview
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...

