Exploring the unexplored avenues of surface charge in nano-medicine

• Published in: Colloid and interface science communications 2021-05, Vol.42, p.100406, Article 100406
• Main Authors: Shah, Saurabh, Rangaraj, Nagarjun, Singh, Shashi Bala, Srivastava, Saurabh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bio-distribution; Cytotoxicity; Nano-medicine; Protein corona; Proton sponge effect; Surface charge reversal
• ISSN: 2215-0382; 2215-0382
• DOI: 10.1016/j.colcom.2021.100406

Electrostatic interactions include weak attractive and repulsive interactions based on the magnitude and polarity of the charge the particle possess. These charges could play a substantial role if the concept of electrostatic interaction is applied in the field of nano-medicine. Surface charge is one of the most important armament of a researcher in the field of drug delivery. However, in recent times, not much attention has been paid to its attributes. Surface charge influences several processes like stability, drug delivery, cytotoxicity, bio-distribution, cell uptake, permeation of biological barriers, etc. This review highlights the importance of surface charge at the cellular and molecular level. We also emphasize on how a researcher can use surface charge to advance the current delivery systems in various desired applications. [Display omitted] •Surface charge residing at the colloidal interface can prove to be a powerful ally for a formulation scientist.•Several intriguing attributes were uncovered in various drug delivery and biomedical applications.•The role of surface charge in traversing various physiological barriers has been portrayed.•Importance of surface charge in overcoming multi-drug resistance and drug targeting has been discussed.