Figure 5.

Schematic model of possible interaction mechanisms between differently sized NPs and endothelial cell surface. A: Non-specific binding of “naked” small NPs to outer surface structures and membrane components; B: Decreased non-specific binding of small NPs after “passivation” with proteins; C: Increased binding of small NPs pretreated with luminal gut-constituents to specific attachment sites within the glycocalyx; D: Non-specific binding of “naked” large NPs to outer surface structures of the cells; E: Abolished binding of large NPs pretreated with luminal gut-constituents since particles are too large to penetrate the glycocalyx and reach specific attachment sites.