Organosilicon uptake by biological membranes

Beekman et al. investigate whether low molecular weight organosilicon compounds leaching out of commonly used biological laboratory materials and household items can interact with molecules found in cellular membranes. The results suggest this is a passive process by physicochemical forces rather than active uptake. Organosilicon compounds are ubiquitous in everyday use. Application of some of these compounds in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals is widespread on the assumption that these materials are not systemically absorbed. Here the interactions of various organosilicon compounds (simeticone, hexamethyldisilazane and polydimethylsiloxane) with cell membranes and models thereof were characterized with a range of analytical techniques, demonstrating that these compounds were retained in or on the cell membrane. The increasing application of organosilicon compounds as replacement of other plastics calls for a better awareness and understanding of these interactions. Moreover, with many developments in biotechnology relying on organosilicon materials, it becomes important to scrutinize the potential effect that silicone leaching may have on biological systems.

Automated summary

The study found that organosilicon compounds may interact with cell membranes passively and be adsorbed in or on the cell membrane; these compounds are commonly present in everyday items and widely used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals; with the increasing application of organosilicon compounds as replacements for other plastics, there is a need for a deeper understanding of these interactions.