First indication that zinc oxide nanoparticles interact /modulate an important human ion channel.

What is it about?

We used a model human potassium channel that regulates heartbeats to see if there was any interaction with some common nanoparticles (ZnO, SiO2, MgO TiO2). Only ZnO interacted with the ion channel protein and unusually increased the current amplitude. The reaction was rapid (5-20 minutes) and novel.

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Why is it important?

This is one of an increasing number of finding that indicate immediate nanomaterial impact on cell signalling. It is of course occurring alongside the more conventional nano-toxic effects.