Abstract
We have investigated translocation of nanoparticles (NPs) across cell membrane under a weak external electric field. In this review, we introduced a molecular dynamics simulation study on NP translocation across cholesterol– containing phospholipid membranes under an electric field. A unique finding was presented, namely that NP can translocate directly across even cholesterol–containing membrane without irreversible membrane disruption. We also introduced an experimental study on the membrane crossing of an intracellular delivery compound using charged NP and a weak external electric field. This study demonstrated that adding NPs under a weak electric field can enhance permeability of a model delivery compound (dextran) across a cell membrane with less damage.
