Molecular Recognition Force Spectroscopy: A New Tool to Tailor Targeted Nanoparticles

Abstract The density of targeting moieties in a nanoparticle‐based gene‐delivery system has been shown to play a fundamental role in its vectoring performance. Here, molecular recognition force spectroscopy is proposed as a novel screening tool to optimize the density of targeting moieties of functionalized nanoparticles towards attaining cell‐specific interaction. By tailoring the nanoparticle formulation, the unbinding event probability between nanoparticles tethered to an atomic force microscopy tip and neuronal cells is directly correlated to the nanoparticle gene‐vectoring capacity. Additionally, new insights into protein–receptor interaction are revealed. This novel approach opens new avenues in the field of nanomedicine.