What Role Do Surface Properties Play in Biological Interactions?
The surface properties of nanoparticles, such as charge, hydrophobicity, and functionalization with biomolecules, are crucial in determining their biological interactions. Functionalization can include attaching ligands, antibodies, or peptides to the nanoparticle surface, which can target specific cell receptors. This targeted approach minimizes off-target effects and enhances therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the surface charge can influence the cellular uptake and distribution of nanoparticles, with positively charged nanoparticles often exhibiting higher cellular uptake due to electrostatic attractions with negatively charged cell membranes.
