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Updated: May 14, 2026
07:24
Repression of Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth In Vivo by Single-wall Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT)-delivered MALAT1 Antisense Oligos
Published on: December 13, 2018
Membrane perturbation by carbon nanotube insertion: pathways to internalization
Mickaël Lelimousin1, Mark S P Sansom
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|February 19, 2013
Summary
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can enter cell membranes, presenting opportunities for nanomedicine and challenges for nanotoxicity. Molecular simulations reveal CNTs insert into lipid bilayers, with their size and type influencing membrane disruption and potential drug nano-encapsulation.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Nanotechnology
- Computational Chemistry
Background:
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit cell membrane penetration capabilities, relevant for nanomedicine applications.
- Understanding CNT-membrane interactions is crucial for both therapeutic potential and nanotoxicity assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically analyze the interaction mechanisms between single-walled and multi-walled CNTs of varying radii and a model lipid bilayer membrane.
- To characterize the spontaneous insertion process and its dependence on CNT properties.
Main Methods:
- Utilized molecular simulations to model CNT-lipid bilayer interactions.
- Analyzed the insertion mechanism, pore formation, and lipid arrangements.
Main Results:
- CNTs spontaneously insert into lipid bilayers exothermically.
- CNT size and type dictate the extent of membrane perturbation.
- Single-walled CNTs employ a two-step insertion mechanism involving transient pore formation.
- Lipid molecules can form inverted micelles within inserted CNTs.
Conclusions:
- The insertion mechanism highlights potential for CNTs as drug nano-encapsulation vehicles.
- CNTs may facilitate intracellular drug delivery via endocytosis following membrane insertion.
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