Role of polyethylene glycol integrity in specific receptor targeting of carbon nanotubes to cancer cells

Nano Lett. 2009 Feb;9(2):751-7. doi: 10.1021/nl8033174.

Abstract

We demonstrate that dispersion of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by ultrasonication with phospholipid-polyethylene glycol (PL-PEG) fragments it, thus interfering with its ability to block nonspecific uptake by cells. However, unfragmented PL-PEG promoted specific cellular uptake of targeted SWNTs to two distinct classes of receptors expressed by cancer cells. Since fragmentation is a likely consequence of ultrasonication, a technique commonly used to disperse SWNTs, this maybe a concern for certain applications such as drug delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carrier Proteins / chemistry
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • ErbB Receptors / chemistry
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored
  • Humans
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / chemistry
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Folate Receptors, GPI-Anchored
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • ErbB Receptors