"Nano" may refer to the SI prefix representing 10. Nanometer stands for one billionth of a meter. The property of materials at nanoscale is markedly different from their counterparts at bulk levels due to the quantum effects. The development of nanotechnology emerges dynamically, and this technique has been applied widely, such as in nanomedicine. Once drug molecules enter the systemic circulation, they are generally distributed to the tissues, including normal and abnormal parts, leading to serious side effects. The application of nanomedicine, taking drug delivery as an example, is able to significantly reduce non-specific drug accumulation and prolong drug release. Additionally, drug encapsulated nanoparticles can be engineered to escape immune surveillance and to achieve higher targeting efficiency. In order to design nano-drugs with optimal performance, the understanding of the processes operated by cells on uptaking and removal of these nanoparticles becomes vital. The properties of nanoparticles, such as size, shape, surface charges, and surface modification with ligands, are discussed herein to give a clear picture on how cell responses to these novel ultra-small particles.
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