Tunable rigidity of (polymeric core)-(lipid shell) nanoparticles for regulated cellular uptake

Abstract

Core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) with lipid shells and varying water content and rigidity but with the same chemical composition, size, and surface properties are assembled using a microfluidic platform. Rigidity can dramatically alter the cellular uptake efficiency, with more-rigid NPs able to pass more easily through cell membranes. The mechanism accounting for this rigidity-dependent cellular uptake is revealed through atomistic-level simulations.

Keywords: biomedical applications; cellular uptake; core-shell nanoparticles; drug delivery; microfluidics.