Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2025
10:16
Targeted Plasma Membrane Delivery of a Hydrophobic Cargo Encapsulated in a Liquid Crystal Nanoparticle Carrier
Published on: February 8, 2017
7.6K
Wrapping dynamics and critical conditions for active nonspherical nanoparticle uptake.
Ke Xiao1, Rui Ma2, Chen-Xu Wu2
1Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325016, People's Republic of China and Department of Physics, College of Physical Science and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, People's Republic of China.
Physical Review. E
|June 17, 2023
Summary
This study reveals how nonspherical nanoparticles (NPs) wrap around cell membranes. Optimizing active force, viscosity, adhesion, and membrane tension enhances NP cellular uptake for drug delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cellular uptake of nonspherical nanoparticles (NPs) is vital for biological processes.
- The dynamics of self-propelled nonspherical NP uptake by cell membranes remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a universal wrapping equation for nonspherical, self-propelled NPs.
- To identify critical conditions governing NP cellular uptake.
- To provide insights for designing active NP-based drug delivery vehicles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Onsager variational principle to derive a general wrapping equation.
- Performed numerical phase diagram constructions.
- Analyzed critical uptake boundaries based on various physical parameters.
Main Results:
- Derived a general wrapping equation for nonspherical, self-propelled NPs.
- Identified two critical conditions: continuous uptake for prolate NPs and snapthrough uptake for oblate NPs.
- Demonstrated that increased activity, reduced viscosity, enhanced adhesion, and decreased membrane tension improve wrapping efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive understanding of active nonspherical NP uptake dynamics.
- Findings offer guidance for designing efficient active NP vehicles for targeted drug delivery.
- The derived equation and critical conditions serve as a predictive tool for NP-cell interactions.
