Nanomateriali in Medicina: comprendere l’Assorbimento cellulare, la Localizzazione e la Ritenzione per migliorare la diagnosi e la terapia contro il cancro

Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as promising tools for disease diagnosis and therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties. To maximize the effectiveness and design of NMs-based medical applications, it is essential to comprehend the complex mechanisms of cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and cellular retention. This review illuminates the various pathways that NMs take to get from the extracellular environment to certain intracellular compartments by investigating the various mechanisms that underlie their interaction with cells. The cellular uptake of NMs involves complex interactions with cell membranes, encompassing endocytosis, phagocytosis, and other active transport mechanisms. Unique uptake patterns across cell types highlight the necessity for customized NMs designs. After internalization, NMs move through a variety of intracellular routes that affect where they are located subcellularly. Understanding these pathways is pivotal for enhancing the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents and imaging probes. Furthermore, the cellular retention of NMs plays a critical role in sustained therapeutic efficacy and long-term imaging capabilities. Factors influencing cellular retention include nanoparticle size, surface chemistry, and the cellular microenvironment. Strategies for prolonging cellular retention are discussed, including surface modifications and encapsulation techniques. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms governing cellular uptake, subcellular localization, and cellular retention of NMs is essential for advancing their application in disease diagnosis and therapy. This review provides insights into the intricate interplay between NMs and biological systems, offering a foundation for the rational design of next-generation nanomedicines.

I NM sono emersi come strumenti promettenti per la diagnosi e la terapia delle malattie grazie alle loro caratteristiche chimico-fisiche. È necessario comprendere l’assorbimento cellulare, la localizzazione subcellulare e la ritenzione per massimizzare l’efficacia di queste nanoparticelle. L’assorbimento dei NM coinvolge interazioni complesse con le membrane cellulari, comprendendo endocitosi, fagocitosi e altri meccanismi di trasporto attivo. Dopo l’assorbimento, i NM attraversano una varietà di percorsi che ne determinano la localizzazione e anche la ritenzione gioca un ruolo fondamentale.