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Internalization and Observation of Fluorescent Biomolecules in Living Microorganisms via Electroporation

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Receptor-Free Cellular Internalization of DNA Micelles Driven by Membrane Interaction.

Haejoo Kim^1,2, Jinmin Lee², Eunryul Jeon¹

¹Department of Chemistry and Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea.

|February 19, 2026

Summary

Lipid-modified DNA micelles are internalized by cells through direct membrane interaction, not receptor binding. This receptor-independent pathway is key for nanoparticle drug delivery.

Keywords:

amphiphilic nucleic acids artificial model membranes endocytosis molecular dynamic simulations self-assembly

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Nanotechnology
Cell Biology

Background:

Cellular uptake of nanoparticles is crucial for effective drug delivery.
Lipid moieties in DNA micelles significantly influence cellular uptake.
Understanding nanoparticle internalization mechanisms is vital for therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the cellular internalization mechanisms of DNA micelles.
To evaluate the role of membrane interactions in DNA micelle uptake.
To determine if receptor binding or direct membrane interaction drives internalization.

Main Methods:

Utilized artificial membrane models and live cell imaging.
Studied the cellular uptake of lipid-modified DNA micelles.
Performed comparative studies with pristine DNA.

Main Results:

DNA micelle internalization is primarily driven by direct interaction with the cell membrane.
Lipid-modified nucleic acids are critical for cellular uptake.
DNA micelles insert into the membrane and form intracellular vesicles for internalization.

Conclusions:

Cellular uptake of DNA micelles occurs via a receptor-independent pathway.
Direct interaction with the cell membrane facilitates nanoparticle internalization.
Findings offer insights into novel nanoparticle entry mechanisms for drug delivery.