Biocompatible, hydrophilic, supramolecular carbon nanoparticles for cell delivery

Liquid-crystal self-assembly is used to fabricate carbon nanoparticles specially suited for cell-delivery applications (see figure). The nanoparticles possess high-activity surfaces for easy functionalization and aqueous dispersion, and are shown to be rapidly internalized by mesothelial cells, wherein they show no measurable toxicity relative to crystalline silica used as a positive control.