Bioavailability of nickel in single-wall carbon nanotubes

The biomolecular mechanism of nickel carcinogenicity is driven by intracellular Ni cation. The role of nickel catalyst in single-wall carbon nanotube toxicity will therefore depend on its bioavailability, which is highly uncertain due to encapsulation by carbon shells. This article measures the material-specific Ni release into extra- and intracellular physiological fluid phases and suggests practical techniques for managing the metals contribution to SWNT toxicity.