Substrate Stiffness Regulates Cellular Uptake of Nanoparticles
Changjin Huang, Peter J. Butler, Sheng Tong, Hari S. Muddana, Gang Bao, and Sulin Zhang
Nano Lett., Just Accepted. Publication Date (Web): March 14, 2013 (Communication)
DOI: 10.1021/nl400033h.
Cell feels its physical environment and adapts its functions accordingly. In this study, we culture cells on substrates of different stiffnesses, loaded with fluorenscent nanoparticles. We found that the uptake (the number of nanoparticles internalized) varies with substrate stiffness. The study provides guidance for improved cancer cell targeting using nanoparticle-based therapeutics since different cancer cells have different extra cellular matrix stiffnesses.
Nano Lett., Just Accepted. Publication Date (Web): March 14, 2013 (Communication)
DOI: 10.1021/nl400033h.
Cell feels its physical environment and adapts its functions accordingly. In this study, we culture cells on substrates of different stiffnesses, loaded with fluorenscent nanoparticles. We found that the uptake (the number of nanoparticles internalized) varies with substrate stiffness. The study provides guidance for improved cancer cell targeting using nanoparticle-based therapeutics since different cancer cells have different extra cellular matrix stiffnesses.