Intracellular Trafficking of Carbon Nanotubes by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy

Abstract

Intracellular trafficking of ammonium-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes reveals that after cell internalization the nanotubes translocate around the cell nucleus of human lung carcinoma cells (A549). The luminescent signal of the carbon nanotubes (no fluorescent labels) is used for 3D intracellular tracking (see figure). The presented methodology is expected to offer a widely usable tool that will further elucidate the intracellular transport mechanisms of carbon nanotubes. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2089/2007/c1412_s.html or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.