Physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles affect circulation, biodistribution, cellular internalization, and trafficking

Abstract

Nanoparticles have many potential applications in tumor therapy. Systemically administered nanoparticles should remain in circulation for a long time to increase their accumulation in targeted tissues before being cleared by the reticuloendothelial system, and be effectively internalized by the targeted cells, which can be influenced significantly by the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles, such as particle size, surface properties, and particle shape. This review highlights the impact of the main affects of physicochemical properties on nanoparticle transport behavior in blood, their uptake and clearance by macrophages and their consequent biodistribution, as well as their interaction with targeted cells. Multifunctional nanosystems that ensure not only long half-life, but also efficient internalization, are suitable for tumor-targeting delivery. Elongated particles coated with a hydrophilic polymer can selectively accumulate in tumors. After reaching tumor tissue, particles shift to spheres, and hydrophilic polymer is released to make particles hydrophobic, with ligand exposed on the surface facilitating internalization. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.