Exploiting Endocytosis for Non-Spherical Nanoparticle Cellular Uptake

Several challenges exist for successful nanoparticle cellular uptake—they must be able to cross many physical barriers reach their target and overcome the cell membrane. A strategy this challenge is exploit natural uptake mechanisms namely passive endocytic (i.e., clathrin- caveolin-dependent/-independent endocytosis, macropinocytosis phagocytosis). The influence of material size well documented understood compared nanomaterial shape. Generally, shape referred as being either spherical or non-spherical known an important factor in processes. Nanoparticle shape-dependent effects areas such immune response, cancer drug delivery, theranostics overall implications nanomedicines are great interest. Studies have looked at NPs, however, fewer comparison investigated NPs. This review explores exploitation pathways mainly inorganic (shapes focus include rod, triangular, star-shaped nanospiked) nanoparticles uptake. role mathematical modelling predictive tools also reviewed. Both quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) continuum membrane been used gain greater insight into complex NPs a depth difficult achieve using experimental methods.