The Diverse Range of Possible Cell Membrane Interactions with Substrates: Drug Delivery, Interfaces and Mobility

Molecules. 2017 Dec 11;22(12):2197. doi: 10.3390/molecules22122197.

Abstract

The cell membrane has gained significant attention as a platform for the development of bio-inspired nanodevices due to its immune-evasive functionalities and copious bio-analogs. This review will examine several uses of cell membranes such as (i) therapeutic delivery carriers with or without substrates (i.e., nanoparticles and artificial polymers) that have enhanced efficiency regarding copious cargo loading and controlled release, (ii) exploiting nano-bio interfaces in membrane-coated particles from the macro- to the nanoscales, which would help resolve the biomedical issues involved in biological interfacing in the body, and (iii) its effects on the mobility of bio-moieties such as lipids and/or proteins in cell membranes, as discussed from a biophysical perspective. We anticipate that this review will influence both the development of novel anti-phagocytic delivery cargo and address biophysical problems in soft and complex cell membrane.

Keywords: bio-interfaces; bio-membrane; mobility; nanocarriers; nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / physiology*
  • Drug Carriers
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Nanoparticles

Substances

  • Drug Carriers