Cellular uptake mechanism

Cellular uptake mechanism refers to the diverse processes by which cells internalize molecules, particles, or other entities from the extracellular environment. These include passive diffusion (energy-independent, along concentration gradients), active transport (energy-dependent, against gradients), and specialized forms of endocytosis such as clathrin-mediated, caveolae-mediated, macropinocytosis, and phagocytosis. In drug delivery, exploiting or modulating these mechanisms is central to achieving therapeutic efficacy, especially for nanoparticles, liposomes, and other carrier systems[1][2][4][5]. The process is orchestrated by plasma membrane dynamics, membrane proteins, cytoskeletal elements, and physicochemical properties of the cargo[2][3][5].

Other names

cellular internalizationuptake pathwaytransport mechanismmembrane transport