Fig. 5

The proposed working model for the silica coating enhances the Al resistance of the RBCs. LBL deposition of PDADMAC/PSS onto the RBCs surface induced the formation of silica nanoparticles layer, which prevents Al³⁺ into the symplast by forming aluminum silicate hydroxides (the dotted box). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be generated from the mitochondrial electron transport system through electron leaks when substrates are metabolized. Reducing Al³⁺ accumulation in mitochondria prevents ROS burst and a consequent loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP). As a result, Al-induced mitochondria-dependent program cell death (PCD) is alleviated