Receptor-mediated cellular uptake of nanoparticles: A switchable delivery system

Abstract

One way to eliminate cell-membrane destruction by cellular delivery of nanoparticles is the adoption of a natural pathway by encapsulating inorganic particles into protein spheres to enable potentially harmless cellular uptake by endocytosis. The bio-nanoparticles produced show good catalytic efficiency, supporting the survival of cells under oxidative stress if internalized into cells, and the receptor-mediated delivery offers the possibility of controlling cellular uptake by switching off endocytosis with appropriate inhibitors. © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.