This work explores the mechanisms and conditions of engineered nanomaterial (ENM) induced disruption of simplified model cell membranes, namely lipid bilayers. We hypothesize that under some circumstances ENMs can cause nanoscale defects in bilayers that could result in a path for cellular toxicity. We use an extracellular patch clamp type amplifier as an electrophysiological measurement platform to quantify the ionic current through a bilayer suspended across a 150 micron aperture. Our real-time measurements show that a wide variety of nanomaterials induce disruption and leakage of artificial cell membranes, bilayers. The leakage increases with particle concentration and is consistent with leakage induced by Melittin toxin. These measurements suggest that engineered nanomaterials can increase permeability of cell membranes through non- specific interactions with the bilayer.

Disruption of suspended lipid bilayer induced by engineered nanomaterials

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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