Single-particle tracking of endocytosis and exocytosis of single-walled carbon nanotubes in NIH-3T3 cells

Nano Lett. 2008 Jun;8(6):1577-85. doi: 10.1021/nl072969s. Epub 2008 May 21.

Abstract

Over 10000 individual trajectories of nonphotobleaching single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) were tracked as they are incorporated into and expelled from NIH-3T3 cells in real time on a perfusion microscope stage. An analysis of mean square displacement allows the complete construction of the mechanistic steps involved from single duration experiments. We observe the first conclusive evidence of SWNT exocytosis and show that the rate closely matches the endocytosis rate with negligible temporal offset. We identify and study the endocytosis and exocytosis pathway that leads to the previously observed aggregation and accumulation of SWNT within the cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Contrast Media / chemistry*
  • Endocytosis / physiology*
  • Exocytosis / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods*
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / ultrastructure*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Nanotubes, Carbon