Fig. 4.

Particle elasticity mediates cellular uptake via different internalization pathways. Relative cellular uptake of NLP and NLGs in MDA-MB-231 (a), MCF7 (b), and MCF10A (c) cells in the presence of small molecules inhibiting clathrin (Chlorpromazine), caveolae (Filipin) and both endocytic pathways (Dynasore). Representative fluorescent microscope images of cellular uptake of soft NLP-45KPa (d) and hard NLG-19MPa (e) in response to endocytosis inhibitors. The scale bars represent 50 μm. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001. The mean values and error bars are defined as mean and S.D., respectively