- Journal
- CARBON
- Année
- 2012
- Volume
- 50
- Numéro
- 14
- Pages
- 5301-5308
- Mois
- NOV
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.carbon.2012.07.018
Abstract
We explore with Molecular Dynamics simulations and a statistical model, the ability of carbon nanotubes to be internalized into a model lipid bilayer as a function of their length. The hydrophobicity is one of the key factors responsible for the insertion process. The membrane asymmetry is also needed to drive a complete translocation. Our data demonstrates that shorter nanotubes have a stronger propensity to passively penetrate the bilayer and reach the cytoplasm. Carbon nanotubes excretion appears mostly impossible whatever their length. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.