Cell uptake: Small 5/2010

The frontispiece illustrates two major types of carbon nanoparticle, namely, the fullerene derivative C60(OH)20 (simulated in blue–red–white) and C70 natural organic matter (NOM; simulated in blue–green–red–white), diffusing within close proximity of a plant cell wall (TEM image of layered structure, in green). C60(OH)20 particles readily permeate through the cell wall, while the supramolecular C70–NOM complexes are entrapped within the cell wall. Post translocation, the C60(OH)20 particles are largely excluded by the plasma cell membrane due to their hydrogen bonding with water. C70–NOM undergoes active interaction with the plasma cell membrane through partitioning in the lipid bilayer and a low-level steady-state endocytosis. As a result, C60(OH)20 and C70–NOM show distinctly different uptake by the plant cell. For more information, please read the Communication “Differential Uptake of Carbon Nanoparticles by Plant and Mammalian Cells” by P. C. Ke et al., beginning on page 612.