Mauro Gemmi

Cytocompatibility evaluation of gum Arabic-coated ultra-pure boron nitride nanotubes on human cells

Publisher: Future Medicine Ltd

Date: 05-2014

DOI: 10.2217/NNM.14.25

Abstract: Aim: Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are tubular nanoparticles with a structure analogous to that of carbon nanotubes, but with B and N atoms that completely replace the C atoms. Many favorable results indicate BNNTs as safe nanomaterials however, important concerns have recently been raised about ultra-pure, long (˜10 µm) BNNTs tested on several cell types. Materials & methods: Here, we propose additional experiments with the same BNNTs, but shortened (˜1.5 µm) with a homogenization/sonication treatment that allows for their dispersion in gum Arabic aqueous solutions. Obtained BNNTs are tested on human endothelial and neuron-like cells with several independent biocompatibility assays. Moreover, for the first time, their strong sum-frequency generation signal is exploited to assess the cellular uptake. Results & conclusion: Our data demonstrate no toxic effects up to concentrations of 20 µg/ml, once more confirming biosafety of BNNTs, and again highlighting that nanoparticle aspect ratio plays a key role in the biocompatibility evaluation. Original submitted 3 December 2013 Revised submitted 28 January 2014 Published online 6 February 2014

Università Degli Studi Di Milano

Location: Italy

View Organisation

Università Degli Studi Di Bologna

Location: Italy

View Organisation

Istituto Italianot Di Tecnologia Center For Nanotechnology Innovation

Location: Italy

View Organisation

Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia Center For Nanotechnology Innovation

Location: Italy

View Organisation

Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia Ceneter For Nanotechnology Innovation

Location: Italy

View Organisation

Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia Ceneter For Materials Interfaces

Location: Italy

View Organisation