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Mesoscopic-scale insights into cellular internalization of deformable polymeric nanoparticles: Structural
Xianyu Song1, Yuxiang Nie1, Sijia Wang2
1Key Laboratory of Water Environment Evolution and Pollution Control in Three Gorges Reservoir, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing 404020, China.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|November 26, 2025
Summary
Structural heterogeneity and elasticity in polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) significantly impact cellular uptake. Heterogeneous NPs with higher elasticity enhance membrane wrapping and NP internalization, crucial for targeted delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Bio-nanotechnology
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Optimizing polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) for enhanced functions relies on understanding their physicochemical properties.
- The structure-function relationships governing bio-nano interactions in composite polymeric NPs are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular internalization of deformable polymeric NPs by simulating varying structural heterogeneity and networked elasticity.
- To elucidate how NP architecture influences interactions with cell membranes.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale mesoscopic simulation of polymeric NPs with different structural heterogeneity and elasticity.
- Analysis of membrane rupture versus membrane wrapping during NP internalization.
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) observations to support simulation findings.
Main Results:
- Homogeneous NPs caused membrane rupture at 5.0-12.5% swelling, while heterogeneous NPs induced membrane wrapping.
- Heterogeneous NPs with higher Young's modulus showed 1.7-2.3 fold higher membrane penetration efficiency.
- Increased networked elasticity enhanced NP uptake by promoting adhesion and resisting deformation.
Conclusions:
- Structural heterogeneity and networked elasticity synergistically influence bio-nano interactions and NP cellular internalization.
- Heterogeneous polymeric NPs offer improved cellular uptake compared to homogeneous ones.
- Findings guide the design of advanced nanomaterials for targeted delivery and immune evasion.
