Nano–bio effects: interaction of nanomaterials with cells

Abstract

With the advancements in nanotechnology, studies on the synthesis, modification, application, and toxicology evaluation of nanomaterials are gaining increased attention. In particular, the applications of nanomaterials in biological systems are attracting considerable interest because of their unique, tunable, and versatile physicochemical properties. Artificially engineered nanomaterials can be well controlled for appropriate usage, and the tuned physicochemical properties directly influence the interactions between nanomaterials and cells. This review summarizes recently synthesized major nanomaterials that have potential biomedical applications. Focus is given on the interactions, including cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and toxic response, while changing the physicochemical properties of versatile materials. The importance of physicochemical properties such as the size, shape, and surface modifications of the nanomaterials in their biological effects is also highlighted in detail. The challenges of recent studies and future prospects are presented as well. This review benefits relatively new researchers in this area and gives them a systematic overview of nano-bio interaction, hopefully for further experimental design.

Nanoparticle–membrane interactions

“…On the other hand, the cytotoxicity of NPs may also be used to enhance the antibacterial efficacy in light-activated antimicrobial surfaces [29]. Although there is a vast literature on nanoparticle-cell interactions [30][31][32], a detailed physicochemical description of adverse outcomes relevant to in vivo behaviour does not exist. In fact, most of the published studies offer no conclusive nano-toxicological data for in vitro models which might make it possible to predict an in vivo response.…”

Ultra-small fluorescent inorganic nanoparticles for bioimaging

“…More importantly, the surface properties of QDs determine their bio-interface interactions, cellular endocytosis and intracellular distribution, in vivo biodistributions, metabolism, and fate. [60][61][62][63] Engineering surface of QDs therefore becomes highly important as this process can improve these properties and 35 introduce additional functions. 10 Medintz et al recently summarized the strategies for surface modification and bioconjugation of QDs.…”

The effect of the protein corona on the interaction between nanoparticles and lipid bilayers

“…6 It has been shown that non-specific interactions with the NPs can alter SLB structure and elasticity. 5 NPs can adhere to the lipid bilayer and cause changes in the lipid phase, 7 induce formation of lipid domains [8][9] or pores and extract lipids 10 inducing lipid bilayer disruption. [11][12] Physical chemical properties of NPs, 5,13 such as size, 4,11,[14][15] charge 12,16 and surface chemistry [17][18][19][20] are the main factors modulating NP-membrane interactions.…”

“…3 In fact, model membranes are versatile systems whose composition and structure can be precisely controlled and customized capturing essential aspects of the real membranes, without the influence of cell metabolism and growth. 5 Moreover, model membranes allow the use of a wide range of powerful techniques, like quartz crystal microbalance and scattering techniques, that would be hardly applicable to real membranes. 2 Supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) represent one of the most used and versatile models for biological membranes.…”