Biomechanics and Interrelations of Microtubules and Intracellular Trafficking: A Guide for Characterizing Carbon Nanotubes Cytotoxicity

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Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are tubular cylinders of carbon atoms that have remarkable mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical and chemical properties. Their versatility allows using them in a wide range of industries including field emission, energy storage, super-strong fabrics, coating and filming, and cost-effective air and water filtration. With the increase in application of these nanomaterials, biological and environmental exposures to CNTs are also increased. However, we know very little about how CNTs can affect cellular processes and pose biological risks to living organisms. Microtubules are involved in many processes in a cell, including cell growth, division, and programmed cell death. They are one of the main components of the cell “skeleton”. CNTs have major structural similarities to microtubules. Due to these similarities, microtubules and their associated proteins may be prone to interacting with CNTs that are taken up by cells, and this has the potential to disrupt their natural function. Our research will look at microtubules and some of their associated proteins whose function depends on binding to microtubules, to learn more about yet unknown features of these subcellular systems. We will also explore the specific mechanism of how CNTs can disturb these biological systems and find the relationship to the chemical structure of CNTs. With this information, we will be able to modify CNTs, either structurally or chemically, to reduce the risk of them interfering with essential cellular processes. We can apply this knowledge in the design of CNT-based nanomaterials that are safer for living organisms and ecosystems. This research program will create a great platform for bringing together national and international researchers from biochemistry, cell biology, biomaterial engineering, toxicology and computing science providing a rich training environment and opportunities for a new generation of young scientists who will work as undergraduate or graduate students in this interdisciplinary research program. They will develop advanced and specialized skills that will prepare them well to work in this exciting emerging field in industry or academia.