Entropy-Mediated Nanoparticle Cellular Uptake

Entropy, as one of the key parameters defining thermodynamic systems, is extensively explored in various scientific fields covering physics, chemistry, biology, etc. Particularly, understanding the entropic effects in cellular uptake is critical to understanding how physicochemical interactions govern the structure, response, and function of biological systems. Herein, the major types of entropy in biological systems, the underlying physical principles of their entropic forces, as well as the entropic effects emerging at the interfaces between nanoparticles and cell membrane in diverse biological processes, are introduced. The emphasis is on the physical principles arisen from entropy in the cellular uptake process. Finally, the remaining challenges and future directions for understanding and thereby manipulating entropy-meditated nanoparticle cellular uptake are discussed. It is hoped that this review can explain some complicated and/or unique phenomena observed during cellular uptake, elucidate the physical mechanisms underlying their structures and dynamical processes, and advance entropy-controlled strategy in the design and development of novel functional systems and materials toward advantageous biomedical applications.