journal article·2026-02

Navigating the Endothelial Barrier: A Multiscale Framework for Precision Nanomedicine

Hongxia Ma, Lin Yang, Chaofan Deng, Jian Zhao, Falin Tian, Xianren Zhang, Guohua Yu, Bing Yan, Tongtao Yue

Small· Volume 22· Issue 10
Publisher page

Abstract

ABSTRACT The vascular endothelium is the final and critical barrier that systemically administered nanoparticles (NPs) must navigate to reach their therapeutic targets. While the macroscale biodistribution patterns and general NP design principles have been extensively studied, there is a significant gap in understanding the mechanistic links between nanoscale interactions and mesoscale events that control NP translocation across the endothelium. This review fills this gap by integrating insights across Å‐to‐nm molecular interactions, nm‐to‐µm junctional dynamics, and µm‐to‐mm endothelial heterogeneity in physiological and pathological contexts. After dissecting the multiscale architecture of the vascular endothelium, which underpins the transcellular and paracellular transport pathways, the physicochemical properties of NPs biasing molecular recognition within the barrier were analyzed, employing molecular modeling and super‐resolution imaging to reveal “nano‐signatures” predictive of transport pathways. Furthermore, the NP‐induced mechanical reprogramming of VE‐cadherin and actomyosin network, converting paracellular leakage from a stochastic event to a programmable process, was elucidated. Finally, we discuss how NP transformations differently modulate barrier penetration by dictating interfacial interactions. By synthesizing these datasets, a cohesive mechanistic framework that offers a conceptual and practical blueprint for the rational design of nanomedicines and safety‐by‐design strategies was proposed, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and minimizing adverse effects.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Coronary Interventions and Diagnostics · Angiogenesis and VEGF in Cancer · Cellular Mechanics and Interactions

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology Ministry of Education Ocean University of China Qingdao P. R. China

Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience National Center for Nanoscience and Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China

State Key Laboratory of Organic−Inorganic Composites Beijing University of Chemical Technology Beijing P. R. China

Department of Oncology Weifang People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University) Weifang P. R. China

Institute of Environmental Research at the Greater Bay Area Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta Ministry of Education Guangzhou University Guangzhou P. R. China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province · Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities

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