Figure 1
From: Engineered nanoparticles interacting with cells: size matters
Nanoparticle uptake. NPs may enter the human body via inhalation, ingestion or through the skin. In the extracellular fluid, NPs are coated by proteins and other biomolecules. The so-called protein corona determines how the NP interacts with a cell. Cellular internalization may involve active (receptor-mediated) or passive transport across the cell membrane.