Crossing biological barriers by engineered nanoparticles.

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) may cause toxicity if they cross various biological barriers and are accumulated in vital organs. Which factors affect barrier crossing efficiency of ENPs are crucial to understand. Here, we present strong data showing that various nanoparticles crossed biological barriers to enter vital animal organs and cause toxicity. We also point out that physicochemical properties of ENPs, modifications of ENPs in biofluid, and physiological and pathological conditions of the body all affect barrier crossing efficiency. We also summarized our limited understanding of the related mechanisms. On the basis of this summary, major research gaps and direction of further efforts are then discussed.