Molecular mechanisms of magnetite nanoparticle interactions due to internalisation and accumulation in cells in vitro

Project leader: Alena Gábelová
Project duration: 2009 - 2012

Although the magnetite nanoparticles (NP<100 nm) are intensively utilized as nanovectors for targeted drug delivery, their impact on the cell after drug release is still poorly understood. The project is focused on the molecular mechanisms whereby magnetite NP may interact due to internalization into cell in vitro. The precise physical characterization of magnetite nanocolloids, the use of transmission electron microscopy to study NP uptake and distribution in the cell together with information about NP cytotoxicity, NP impact on the genom integrity, oxidative status and cell signalling pathways represents a complex approach. An interdisciplinary approach contributes to improve the understanding of the mechanizms of magnetite NP interactions at cellular, subcellular and molecular levels and allows correlate the biological activity of magnetite NP with their physical parameters and cell localization. A complex approach is important for risk/safty assessment of magnetite NP for humans and ecosystem.

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