title: Biological interaction of living cells with COSAN-based synthetic vesicles.
abstract: Cobaltabisdicarbollide (COSAN) [3,3'-Co(1,2-C2B9H11)2](-), is a complex boron-based anion that has the unusual property of self-assembly into membranes and vesicles. These membranes have similar dimensions to biological membranes found in cells, and previously COSAN has been shown to pass through synthetic lipid membranes and those of living cells without causing breakdown of membrane barrier properties. Here, we investigate the interaction of this inorganic membrane system with living cells. We show that COSAN has no immediate effect on cell viability, and cells fully recover when COSAN is removed following exposure for hours to days. COSAN elicits a range of cell biological effects, including altered cell morphology, inhibition of cell growth and, in some cases, apoptosis. These observations reveal a new biology at the interface between inorganic, synthetic COSAN membranes and naturally occurring biological membranes.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, E-08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
authors.forename: Màrius
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tarrés
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Ave, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Canetta
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Ave, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Eleanor
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Ave, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Jordan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Forbes
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Ave, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Karima
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Azzouni
authors.affiliation: Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, E-08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
authors.forename: Clara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Viñas
authors.affiliation: Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, E-08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
authors.forename: Francesc
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Teixidor
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Ave, Cardiff CF10 3AX, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Adrian J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Harwood
mesh_terms: D016475:3T3 Cells; D000818:Animals; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D004023:Dictyostelium / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D053835:Unilamellar Liposomes / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D053835:Unilamellar Liposomes; C534635:cobaltabisdicarbollide anion