title: The role of specific and non-specific interactions in receptor-mediated endocytosis of nanoparticles.
abstract: The role of specific and non-specific interactions in the receptor-mediated endocytosis of nanoparticles is analyzed. The characteristic time tau(w), the threshold R(th) and optimal R(opt) radii for particle endocytosis are estimated as a function of the binding energy factor C, bond elasticity factor G, and non-specific attractive/repulsive factor F at the cell-particle interface. It is shown that the contribution of F is as important as that of C and G. General and ready to use formulas are presented that can be a guide in designing nanoparticles with controlled endocytic performances.
authors.affiliation: BioNEM-Center of Bio-/Nanotechnology and -/Engineering for Medicine, University of Magna Graecia, Viale Europa - Loc. Germaneto 88100 Catanzaro, Italy. p.decuzzi@poliba.it
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Decuzzi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ferrari
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D004705:Endocytosis; D008024:Ligands; D008954:Models, Biological; D053758:Nanoparticles; D036103:Nanotechnology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D008024:Ligands; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface