MOE of Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
Abstract:
The mechanism of the cellular uptake of polyelectrolyte microcapsules and its influences on the functions and toxicity of human SMCs are explored. The covalently assembled poly(allylamine hydrochloride)/glutaraldehyde microcapsules are easily ingested by SMCs mainly through macropinosis and caveolae‐mediated endocytosis pathways. The capsules mainly disperse in cytoplasm without colocalization in early endosomes and cell nucleus. The results of gene chips reveal substantial and profound alternation of cell phenotypes and functions. Uptake of the microcapsules cause a slight decrease of cell viability, but leads to significant changes in cytoskeleton organization, cell cycle, as well as cell adhesion and migration ability.
