Sun Jiashu

Interaction between nanoparticles and the cell

Compared with bulk materials, nanomaterials have unique optical, electronic, mechanical, and biological properties that have enormous potential for use in drug delivery and cancer imaging. Since nanoparticles (NPs) interact with the human body at the cellular level, there is a need for us to understand the interaction between NPs and cells. Many experimental results show that NPs adsorb onto the cell membrane and are internalized by the cell through various pathways. Due to the complexity of cells, as well as their host environments, the size, shape, surface chemical properties, charge distribution, structural topology, and elasticity of NPs can each have a large influence on this interaction. For instance, some types of cells are better able to take up NPs with greater curvature to their shape, while others are better able to take up NPs with less curvature. Similarly, some cells internalize soft-structured NPs, while others respond best to rigid NPs. The mechanisms underlying these differences in interaction can be explained with theoretical models and simulations. Here, we briefly introduce the pathways for cellular uptake of nanoparticles, and then review the recent progress in identifying factors that affect this nanoparticle-cell interaction. We also discuss the potential for future research.

Recent research progress of nanocellulose crystal and its composites with polymers

This review reports on the recent progress in fabrication and application of nanocellulose crystal (NCC) and NCC/polymer composites. Approaches for improving the compatibility between NCC and hydrophobic polymers are introduced. To commercialize these NCC/polymer composites, industrialized methods without the use of any surface modifications should be attempted in future.