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Spontaneous Formation and Rearrangement of Artificial Lipid Nanotube Networks as a Bottom-Up Model for Endoplasmic Reticulum
Published on: January 22, 2019
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Pore formation induced by nanoparticles binding to a lipid membrane
Yui Tik Pang1, Zhenpeng Ge, Bokai Zhang
1Department of Physics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong. yiwang@cuhk.edu.hk.
Nanoscale
|April 1, 2020
Summary
Sharp nanoparticles can pierce cell endosomes, a critical step for drug delivery. This study reveals how nanoparticle shape and membrane interactions control this process, offering insights for enhanced cellular entry.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nanoparticles (NPs) enter cells via endocytosis, residing in endosomes.
- Endosomal membrane integrity can be disrupted by NPs, enabling escape.
- The mechanisms and energetic factors of NP-induced membrane rupture are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nanoparticle-induced membrane pore formation using continuum modeling.
- To elucidate the roles of NP morphology, membrane adhesion, and curvature heterogeneity in membrane rupture.
- To provide a basis for controlling nanoparticle endosomal escape by design.
Main Methods:
- Continuum modeling approach.
- Utilized two axial-symmetric nanoparticle models.
- Analyzed membrane adhesion, NP sharpness, size, and curvature heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- Identified a general mechanism for NP binding-induced membrane pore formation.
- Demonstrated that NP sharpness, size, and membrane adhesion are critical factors.
- Highlighted the role of curvature heterogeneity in membrane rupture.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle morphology significantly influences endosomal membrane permeabilization.
- Understanding these interactions can guide the design of NPs for improved endosomal escape.
- This research offers a pathway for optimizing nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.
