Actin Density Distribution in C17.2 Cells*

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have great potential in the biomedical field as a means to deliver materials such as drugs and genes due to their size and chemistry. However, the long-term consequences to the body are still unknown. For example, carbon nanotubes have been previously shown to alter the differentiation process of C17.2 stem cells. To understand the underlying mechanism, we investigated the change in actin distribution in the cells. We developed a catalogue of actin density distribution in C17.2 cells which we would like to compare to cells assimilated with carbon nanotubes. Initial results will be discussed.