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Cellular uptake and distribution of graphene oxide coated with layer-by-layer assembled polyelectrolytes

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Abstract

We report a facile approach for the fabrication of a new class of graphene oxide (GO)-based nanoassemblies by layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. The single-layer thickness and intrinsic negatively charged carboxyl groups of GO nanosheets provide a natural platform for LbL assembly of polyelectrolyte nanofilms by electrostatic forces at mild and aqueous conditions. The general applicability of our approach is demonstrated by the preparation of GO nanoassemblies with sizes of 100–200 nm using various charged polyelectrolytes, including synthetic polymers, polypeptides, and DNA oligonucleotides. Systemic assessment of cytotoxicity and acute stress response show that no discernable signs of cytotoxicity are associated with exposure of GO and its nanoassemblies [GO/PLL (poly (l-lysine)), GO/PLL/PSS (poly(sodium-4-styrenesulfonate)), GO/PLL-PEG (PEGlayted PLL), GO/PLL/PLGA-PEG (PEGlayted poly (l-glutamic acid))] up to 1 μg/mL. Studies on cellular uptake and subcellular localization show that a representative nanoassembly, GO/PLL-PEG, can effectively cross cell membranes and localize mainly in lysosomal compartments, without induction of noticeable harmful effects as confirmed by detection of mitochondrial depolarization and lysosomal pH.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 program: 2012CB934004 and 2011CB933400), National Natural Science Foundation of China (10979011; 30900278; 21173055; 21161120321). G.N. gratefully acknowledges the support of CAS, Hundred Talents Program.

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  1. Zhenzhen Lu

    Present address: Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2V4, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China

    Yiye Li, Zhenzhen Lu, Zhongjun Li, Guangjun Nie & Ying Fang

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Correspondence to Guangjun Nie or Ying Fang.

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Yiye Li and Zhenzhen Lu have contributed equally to this work.

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Li, Y., Lu, Z., Li, Z. et al. Cellular uptake and distribution of graphene oxide coated with layer-by-layer assembled polyelectrolytes. J Nanopart Res 16, 2384 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-014-2384-4

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