Nanoparticles can interact with cells in various ways:
1. Cell Membrane Interaction: Nanoparticles can adhere to or penetrate the cell membrane, potentially causing physical disruption or initiating cellular responses.
2. Endocytosis: Cells can internalize nanoparticles through endocytosis, leading to accumulation within cellular compartments such as lysosomes and potentially causing cellular stress or toxicity.
3. Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Some nanoparticles can generate ROS, leading to oxidative stress, which can damage cellular components like DNA, proteins, and lipids.