Molecular insights into the resistance of phospholipid heads to the membrane penetration of graphene nanosheets

Abstract

The interaction between nanomaterials and phospholipid membranes underlies many emerging biological applications. To what extent hydrophilic phospholipid heads shield the bilayer from integration of hydrophobic nanomaterials remains unclear, and this...

Wrapping–Trapping versus Extraction Mechanism of Bactericidal Activity of MoS2 Nanosheets against Staphylococcus aureus Bacterial Membrane

“…Consequently, the nanosheet stays on the bilayer surface (Figure ). The crucial role of phospholipid head characteristics such as the headgroup thickness and head–head interaction energy in shielding the penetration and interaction of graphene nanosheets with the lipids’ hydrophobic moiety has also been discerned in a recent study by Li et al The authors found that resistance to nanosheet penetration is originated from the correlated motion of phospholipid heads, which, in turn, is partly governed by the electrostatic/dipolar interactions of the lipid heads. Moreover, in agreement with our hypothesis/findings, the authors also observed that the charged and more hydrophilic headgroups exhibit greater resistance to graphene nanosheet penetration …”

“…However, there occurs a “tug-of-war” competition between lipid–MoS 2 and lipid–lipid interactions to determine the spontaneity of the extraction and adsorption of lipids onto the nanosheet surfaces. The strength of the lipid–lipid interaction varies for different lipid heads, very much governed by their polar–polar interactions and electrostatic bridging mediated by the counterions . If the lipid–lipid interaction is stronger than the lipid–MoS 2 interaction, the lipid extraction becomes infeasible and the nanosheet opts for a “wrapping” pathway as discussed in section , which, being practically reversible, is less potent in causing bacterial cell destruction.…”

“…Moreover, in agreement with our hypothesis/findings, the authors also observed that the charged and more hydrophilic headgroups exhibit greater resistance to graphene nanosheet penetration. 35 3.2. Membrane Puncturing and Localized Enhancement in Lipid Ordering Induced by Vertically Aligned MoS 2 Nanosheets.…”

“…However, to the best of our knowledge, none of the studies in existing literature consider membrane lipid composition of bacterial strains other than Gram-negative bacteria to study the antibacterial mechanism of 2D MoS 2 . Also, there exists significant evidence in the literature that the chemical nature of phospholipid head groups present in a bacterial membrane strongly governs their interaction with 2D nanomaterials and produces varied resistance to their penetration in the membrane interior. − Thus, it is inevitable to explore the detailed interactions of these nanomaterials with other bacterial membranes to efficiently modulate their efficacy and harness their full potential as antimicrobials.…”

Advanced nanomaterials for modulating Alzheimer's related amyloid aggregation

“…69 Two-dimensional nanomaterials also have the ability to penetrate biological barriers. 70 Therefore, as a drug carrier, 2D nanomaterials can load numerous drugs and cross various biological barriers. 71,72 Meanwhile, 2D nanomaterials can also absorb and immobilize amyloid protein by interacting with interfaces.…”