Physical Properties of Nanoparticles That Result in Improved Cancer Targeting

Figure 7

Proposed ideal NPs characteristics. When NPs are in the blood circulation, it is advantageous to have a larger size (>100 nm) nonspherical shaped NP, with a neutral charge to achieve better circulation and tumor accumulation. Once in contact with the tumor, it is more advantageous to have positively charged or slight negatively charged NPs with a smaller size (<12 nm) and a lower aspect ratio. The surfactants should be removed once the NPs enter the extracellular matrix (ECM).