Graphene-Induced Pore Formation on Cell Membranes

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Nanomaterial Science
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Understanding nanomaterial interactions with cell membranes is crucial for developing safe nanomedical technologies.
• Graphene's cytotoxicity is recognized, but the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms behind graphene-induced cell membrane damage and cytotoxicity.
• To characterize the pore formation process induced by graphene nanosheets on cell membranes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized electron microscopy to visualize pores on cell membranes after graphene exposure.
• Employed molecular dynamics simulations to analyze the interaction between graphene nanosheets and cell membranes at a molecular level.

Main Results:

• Graphene nanosheets (pristine and oxidized) were observed to form pores in A549 and Raw264.7 cell membranes.
• Molecular dynamics simulations revealed cooperative phospholipid extraction by multiple graphene nanosheets, leading to membrane perforation.
• Strong dispersion interactions between graphene and lipid tails were identified as a key factor in lipid depletion and pore formation.

Conclusions:

• Graphene nanosheets induce cell membrane damage by creating pores through a cooperative lipid extraction mechanism.
• This mechanism of membrane perforation contributes significantly to the observed cytotoxicity of graphene.
• Findings guide the design of safer graphene-based nanomedical applications by elucidating toxicity pathways.