Communications Biology (Jun 2021)

Organosilicon uptake by biological membranes

  • Pepijn Beekman,
  • Agustin Enciso-Martinez,
  • Sidharam P. Pujari,
  • Leon W. M. M. Terstappen,
  • Han T. Zuilhof,
  • Séverine Le Gac,
  • Cees Otto

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-021-02155-5
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 1
pp. 1 – 8

Abstract

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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.