[The interaction of nanocrystals of corundum and quartz with erythrocyte membranes].

Mechanisms of nanocrystals of quartz and corundum interaction with erythrocyte membranes were studied by means of atomic force microscopy and fluorescence analysis. It was shown that the hydrophobic, chemically inert nanocrystals with the size larger than the critical value (20-25 nm) can bind to erythrocyte membranes, while not causing her harm. If the size of the nanocrystals is less than 15 nm, they can penetrate into the lipid bilayer membranes. This decreases their microviscosity, the pores appear, which leads to cell lysis. A thermodynamic explication of the critical size of the nanocrystals is given.