Biological barriers are essential physiological protective
systems
and obstacles to drug delivery. Nanoparticles (NPs) can access the
paracellular route of biological barriers, either causing adverse
health impacts on humans or producing therapeutic opportunities. This
Review introduces the structural and functional influences of NPs
on the key components that govern the paracellular route, mainly tight
junctions, adherens junctions, and cytoskeletons. Furthermore, we
evaluate their interaction mechanisms and address the influencing
factors that determine the ability of NPs to open the paracellular
route, which provides a better knowledge of how NPs can open the paracellular
route in a safer and more controllable way. Finally, we summarize
limitations in the research models and methodologies of the existing
research in the field and provide future research direction. This
Review demonstrates the in-depth causes for the reversible opening
or destruction of the integrity of barriers generated by NPs; more
importantly, it contributes insights into the design of NP-based medications
to boost paracellular drug delivery efficiency.