Web Release Date: June 19,
Biodistribution of Pristine Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes In Vivo
Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China, Department of Chemistry and Laboratory for Emerging Materials and Technology, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634-0973, Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China, and Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, Department of Oceanography, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
Received: January 27, 2007
In Final Form: April 23, 2007
Abstract:
The biodistribution of pristine single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in mice was determined by using the skeleton 13C-enriched SWNTs and isotope ratio mass spectroscopy. The results suggested that the SWNTs were distributed in the entire body, with major accumulations in the liver, lungs, and spleen over an extended period of time. The specimen from the effected organ tissues were examined by using transmission electron microscopy, aimed toward an understanding of the possible uptake mechanism. The biological consequence of pristine SWNTs is obviously very different from that of their chemically modified or functionalized counterparts. The implication of such a fact is discussed.
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