Entry of nanoparticles into cells and tissues: status and challenges

Kirsten Sandvig; Tore Geir Iversen; Tore Skotland

doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.83

Entry of nanoparticles into cells and tissues: status and challenges

Beilstein J Nanotechnol. 2024 Aug 12:15:1017-1029. doi: 10.3762/bjnano.15.83. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Kirsten Sandvig^{1

2

3}, Tore Geir Iversen^{1

2}, Tore Skotland^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, 0379 Oslo, Norway.
² Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, University of Oslo, 0379 Oslo, Norway.
³ Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway.

Abstract

In this article we discuss how nanoparticles (NPs) of different compositions may interact with and be internalized by cells, and the consequences of that for cellular functions. A large number of NPs are made with the intention to improve cancer treatment, the goal being to increase the fraction of injected drug delivered to the tumor and thereby improve the therapeutic effect and decrease side effects. Thus, we discuss how NPs are delivered to tumors and some challenges related to investigations of biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and excretion. Finally, we discuss requirements for bringing NPs into clinical use and aspects when it comes to usage of complex and slowly degraded or nondegradable NPs.

Keywords: biodegradable; biodistribution; endocytosis; extracellular vesicles; nanomedicine; nanoparticles.

Grants and funding

The authors of the present article have been supported by the Norwegian Cancer Society, the Research Council of Norway, and the EEA Grants 2014-2021 under project contract no. 37/2021.