Cellular uptake and cytotoxic impact of chemically functionalized and polymer-coated carbon nanotubes

Hanene Ali-Boucetta, Khuloud T Al-Jamal, Karin H Müller, Shouping Li, Alexandra E Porter, Ayad Eddaoudi, Maurizio Prato, Alberto Bianco, Kostas Kostarelos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

67 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The impact of nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes on biological matter is a topic of increasing interest and concern and requires a multifaceted approach to be resolved. A modified cytotoxic (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)) assay is developed in an attempt to offer a valid and reliable methodology for screening carbon nanotube toxicity in vitro. Two of the most widely used types of surface-modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are tested: ammonium-functionalized MWNTs (MWNT-NH3+ ) and Pluronic F127 coated MWNTs (MWNT:F127). Chemically functionalized MWNTs show significantly greater cellular uptake into lung epithelial A549 cells compared to the non-covalently Pluronic F127-coated MWNTs. In spite of this, MWNT:F127 exhibit enhanced cytotoxicity according to the modified LDH assay. The validity of the modified LDH assay is further validated by direct comparison with other less reliable or accurate cytotoxicity assays. These findings indicate the reliability of the modified LDH assay as a screening tool to assess carbon nanotube cytotoxicity and illustrate that high levels of carbon nanotube cellular internalization do not necessarily lead to adverse responses.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3230-8
Number of pages9
JournalSmall
Volume7
Issue number22
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Nov 2011

Bibliographical note

Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cellular uptake and cytotoxic impact of chemically functionalized and polymer-coated carbon nanotubes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this