Cytotoxicity of C2N Originating from Oxidative Stress Instead of Membrane Stress

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b06713
• Publication Date: 2019-08-30T12:54:23Z
• Authors: Shitong Zhang; Lu Liu; Guangxin Duan; Lin Zhao; Shengtang Liu; Bo Zhou; Zaixing Yang
• Keywords: Nanomaterials

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have shown promising potential in a wide range of biomedical applications. Nevertheless, the rapid advances this field recently also evoked growing concerns about their toxic effects on humans and environment. Herein, we systematically investigate cytotoxicity C2N nanosheets, newly emerging 2D nitrogenized graphene with uniform holes basal plane. Our vitro experiments show that is to human umbilical vein/vascular endothelium cells. The further combined experimental theoretical studies unravel mainly originates from its oxidative capability toward antioxidant molecules, leading excessive accumulation reactive oxygen species Compared oxide, exerts relatively milder cytotoxicity, importantly, novel material shows negligible physical destruction cell membranes, suggesting might be alternative derivatives research. This work sheds light nanosheets underlying mechanism, which crucial for future utilization nanomaterial related fields.