Micron-sized diamond particles are internalized by endothelial cells

The phenomenon of micron-sized diamond particle uptake by human endothelial cells was demonstrated using microscopic methods including optical microscopy and both scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The study was performed with monocrystal line synthetic diamond powder, ca. 1 mu m, and the EA.hy 926 cell line. It was established that contact of diamond particles with endothelial cells can result in their uptake and that this may consequently affect cell morphology and proliferation. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.