Cellular uptake of nanoparticles as determined by particle properties, experimental conditions, and cell type. (24th January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kettler, Katja; Veltman, Karin; van de Meent, Dik; van Wezel, Annemarie; Hendriks, A. Jan
• Is Part Of: Environmental toxicology and chemistry. Volume 33:Number 3(2014:Mar.)
• Page Start: 481
• Page End: 492
• Publication Date: 2014-01-24
• Subjects: Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental chemistry -- Periodicals; 615.902
• DOI: 10.1002/etc.2470
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0730-7268

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="etc2470-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <p>The increased application of nanoparticles (NPs) is increasing the risk of their release into the environment. Although many toxicity studies have been conducted, the environmental risk is difficult to estimate, because uptake mechanisms are often not determined in toxicity studies. In the present study, the authors review dominant uptake mechanisms of NPs in cells, as well as the effect of NP properties, experimental conditions, and cell type on NP uptake. Knowledge of NP uptake is crucial for risk assessment and is essential to predict the behavior of NPs based on their physical–chemical properties. Important uptake mechanisms for eukaryotic cells are macropinocytosis, receptor‐mediated endocytosis, and phagocytosis in specialized mammalian cells. The studies reviewed demonstrate that uptake into nonphagocytic cells depends strongly on NP size, with an uptake optimum at an NP diameter of approximately 50 nm. Increasing surface charges, either positive or negative, have been shown to increase particle uptake in comparison with uncharged NPs. Another important factor is the degree of (homo‐) aggregation. Results regarding shape have been ambiguous. Difficulties in the production of NPs, with 1 property changed at a time, call for a full characterization of NP properties. Only then will it be possible to draw conclusions as to which property affected the uptake. <italic>Environ Toxicol Chem</italic> 2014;33:481–492. © 2013 SETAC</p> </sec> </abstract>