Interactions of Functionalized Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes with Giant Phospholipid Vesicles as Model Cellular Membrane System.

ABSTRACT: Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are considered alternative materials for the design of advanced drug and gene delivery vectors. However, the mechanism responsible for the cellular membrane intake of CNTs is not well understood. In the present study, we show how multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) owning different surface properties, interact with giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), a simple model system for cellular membranes. In particular, we want to address the hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions between MWCNTs and lipid membranes and the subsequent mechanical properties changes of the systems. In order to elucidate this interaction, we made the following chemical modifications on MWCNTs: oxidized MWCNTs (ox-MWCNTs) displaying reduced hydrophobic surface character, pristine MWCNTs (p-MWCNTs)

SUBMITTER: Perez-Luna V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6302088 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature