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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2013 Oct 1.
Published in final edited form as: Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2012 Aug 17;64(13):1363–1384. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.08.005

Figure 8.

Figure 8

The proton sponge effect allows for cationic nanoparticles to escape endosomal and lysosomal vesicles and enter the cytoplasm. When cationic nanoparticles enter acidic vesicles, unsaturated amino groups sequester protons supplied by v-ATPase (proton pump). Sequestered protons cause the pump to continue functioning, leading to the retention of chloride ions and water molecules. Eventually, osmotic swelling causes rupture of the vesicle and the cationic nanoparticles are able to enter the cytoplasm.