Cellular entry of graphene nanosheets: The role of thickness, oxidation and surface adsorption

Jiuling Wang, Yujie Wei, Xinghua Shi*, Huajian Gao

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

127 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Coarse grained molecular dynamics simulations are conducted to study the interaction of graphene nanosheets with a lipid bilayer, focusing on the effects of graphene thicknesses (single/multi-layered graphene), oxidation and surface absorption by lipid molecules. The results show that a hydrophobic corner of graphene can pierce into the bilayer, while different oxidations of the nanosheets affect their final equilibrium configurations in the bilayer: lying across or within the hydrophobic core of the bilayer. The underlying mechanism is clarified by calculating the energy barrier for graphene piercing into the bilayer. Our studies provide fundamental guidance towards understanding how graphene enters cells, which is important for biomedical diagnostics and therapies, and for managing health impacts following occupational or environmental exposure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15776-15782
Number of pages7
JournalRSC Advances
Volume3
Issue number36
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Sept 2013
Externally publishedYes

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