ABSTRACT
The chemical environment is often coupled with the biological environment. This is because cellular and ECM structures can be affected by chemicals while cells continuously release and clear chemicals in tissues. Effects of the biological environment on the interstitial transport can be either direct or indirect. Damage to cells and ECM will lead to an increase in the interstitial space for drug and gene transport. Drug and nucleic acid clearance discussed above can be achieved through internalization by cells. The indirect effects may involve changes in tissue structures induced by cytokines released from cells or proliferation of cells. Cell proliferation or death will also alter IFP and solid stresses in tumors. Changes in both tissue structures and mechanical stresses may have profound effects on interstitial transport, as discussed above.
