Table 3 Size dependence of passive cellular NP uptake
From: Engineered nanoparticles interacting with cells: size matters
NPs | Size (nm Ø) | Bio-system | Techniques | Main conclusions | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DPA-QDs | 8 | RBCs | CLSM, SEIRAS | QDs penetrate cell membranes without pore formation | [77] |
MSNs | 100–300 | RBCs | TEM | Hemolytic properties of MSNs related to silanol groups accessible to the cell membranes | [78] |
MSNs | 100–600 | RBCs | CLSM, TEM | Strongly dependent on surface chemistry and NP size | [79] |
PS | 78–2,000 | RBCs | CLSM | NPs < 0.2 μm enter RBCs | [75] |
PS | 2–1,000 | RBCs | CLSM, TEM | Surface charge and NP composition do not influence entry, NPs < 0.2 μm enter RBCs, size is key factor for internalization by RBCs | [76] |
Au | 25–1,000 | ||||
TiO2 | 20–30 | ||||
HAP | 14–175 | RBCs | Optical microscopy, TEM | Surface charge more crucial than the size for NP-RBC interaction, NP adhesion led to invaginations on RBC membrane | [80] |
Au | 4–5 | DC2.4 | STM, CLSM | ‘Striped’ NPs, decorated with alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic ligands, penetrate cell membranes without generating transient holes | [81] |