Study Review: Molecular Mechanisms of Nanoparticle-Cell Interaction – Implications for Drug Delivery and Toxicity

Year : 2025 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 02 | Page : 31 40
    By

    Alyaa Neamah Najm Alsaedi,

  • Faten Hadi Fakhri,

  1. Assistant Lecturer, University of Karbala Presidency, Department of Studies and Planning, Karbala, Iraq
  2. Assistant Lecturer, Department of Studies and Planning, Presidency University of Kerbala, Karbala, Iraq

Abstract

The application of nanoparticles in drug delivery and biomedical therapies holds great promise, yet their interaction with cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms remains areas of active research. This study explores the molecular mechanisms of nanoparticle-cell interactions, focusing on the effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) in human cancer cell lines (HeLa and MCF-7). The study examines how nanoparticles are internalized by cells, their impact on cellular toxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and their gene expression profiles. The findings reveal that nanoparticles, particularly functionalized particles, enhance cellular uptake via specific receptors and surface modifications, such as PEGylation and targeting peptides. Functionalization improves targeting specificity, while also inducing a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and cell death through apoptotic pathways. Gene expression analysis showed upregulation of apoptosis-related genes, such as Bax and Caspase-3, and oxidative stress markers like SOD and Catalase. However, while these effects contribute to the therapeutic potential of nanoparticles, they also highlight the need for careful management of nanoparticle toxicity, particularly with regards to non-target tissues. Research demands additional investigation of nanotechnology for biocompatibility testing along with toxicity assessment and targeting efficiency evaluation as healthcare authorities establish guidelines for medical applications. Studies should focus on long-term in vivo analysis of nanoparticles as well as advanced drug release strategies to maximize their clinical applications for delivering medicines in cancer treatment.

Keywords: Cancer, Toxicity, SOD, Nano, Cell

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology ]

How to cite this article:
Alyaa Neamah Najm Alsaedi, Faten Hadi Fakhri. Study Review: Molecular Mechanisms of Nanoparticle-Cell Interaction – Implications for Drug Delivery and Toxicity. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology. 2025; 15(02):31-40.
How to cite this URL:
Alyaa Neamah Najm Alsaedi, Faten Hadi Fakhri. Study Review: Molecular Mechanisms of Nanoparticle-Cell Interaction – Implications for Drug Delivery and Toxicity. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology. 2025; 15(02):31-40. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjot/article=2025/view=208607


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 15
Issue 02
Received 27/03/2025
Accepted 04/04/2025
Published 23/04/2025
Publication Time 27 Days
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