IMMUNOBIOLOGY OF NANOMEDICINE: BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL DETERMINANTS OF NANO-IMMUNE SYSTEM INTERACTIONS
Abstract
Nanomedicine integrates pharmaceutics, nanotechnology, and molecular life sciences to enhance therapeutic delivery and diagnostic precision. Engineered nanomaterials enable controlled drug release, improved pharmacokinetics, and targeted interaction with biological systems. Immune recognition remains a critical factor influencing nanoparticle biodistribution, circulation stability, therapeutic efficacy, and immunological safety. Interactions at the nano-bio interface are governed by biochemical and biophysical determinants that regulate molecular adsorption, cellular recognition, and
immune signalling processes. This review examines the biochemical, biophysical, genetic, and computational determinants that influence interactions between nanomaterials and immune systems, with emphasis on mechanisms shaping immunological compatibility and nanotherapeutic performance. Relevant literature across pharmaceutics, nanotechnology, immunobiology, molecular genetics, and bioinformatics was analysed to identify key factors governing nano-immune communication. Evidence highlights the importance of protein corona formation, complement activation, receptor-mediated recognition, and gene regulatory pathways in determining immune responses toward nanomaterials. Biophysical characteristics, including particle size, morphology, surface charge, and mechanical rigidity, strongly influence immune cell interaction and intracellular processing. Computational and systems biology approaches further contribute predictive insight into immune signalling networks associated with nanoparticle exposure. Integration of biochemical, biophysical, and molecular perspectives establishes a mechanistic foundation for rational engineering of nanotherapeutic systems with improved immune compatibility. Continued advancement of nanomedicine requires multidisciplinary strategies that optimise nanoparticle physicochemical properties and targeted delivery performance to enhance therapeutic safety and translational applicability.
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