Figure 12

Hypothetic model of graphene nanomaterial internalization and cytotoxicity. GO and CXYG nanoplatelets penetrate through the plasma membrane into the cytosol, are concentrated and encapsulated in intracellular vesicles. Cells respond with the formation of cytokeratin filament bundles to mechanically reinforce the plasma membrane and initiate plasma membrane repair mechanisms. These processes involve an increase in metabolic activity. Exposure to GO and CXYG nanoplatelets results in elevated intracellular ROS levels, perturbation of mitochondrial structure and function, and an augmented number of autophagosomes.