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Methodologies and approaches for the analysis of cell–nanoparticle interactions
Author(s) -
Ivask Angela,
Mitchell Andrew J.,
Malysheva Anzhela,
Voelcker Nicolas H.,
Lombi Enzo
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
wiley interdisciplinary reviews: nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1939-0041
pISSN - 1939-5116
DOI - 10.1002/wnan.1486
Subject(s) - nanomedicine , nanotoxicology , nanotechnology , nanoparticle , computer science , chemistry , materials science
How to study nanoparticle–cell interactions is the key question that puzzles researchers in the fields of nanomedicine as well as in nanotoxicology. In nanotoxicology, the amount of nanoparticles internalized by the cells or bound to the external surfaces of cells determines the toxic profile of those particles. In medical applications, cellular uptake and binding of medically effective nanoparticles decides their efficacy. Despite the importance of understanding the extent and mode of nanoparticle–cell interactions, these processes are underinvestigated, mainly due to the lack of suitable user‐friendly methodologies. Here we discuss the advantages and limitations of currently available (and most advanced) microscopic, spectroscopic, and other bioanalytical methods that could be used to assess cell‐nanoparticle interactions either qualitatively or quantitatively. Special emphasis is given to the methods that enable analysis and identification of nanoparticles at single‐cell level, and allow intracellular localization and speciation analysis of nanoparticles. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials