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 (similar to 10 mu m) BNNTs tested on several cell types. Materials & methods: Here, we propose additional experiments with the same BNNTs, but shortened (similar to 1.5 mu m) 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 mu g/ml, once more confirming biosafety of BNNTs, and again highlighting that nanoparticle aspect ratio plays a key role in the biocompatibility evaluation.

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

Del Turco Serena;Basta Giuseppina;
2014

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 (similar to 10 mu m) BNNTs tested on several cell types. Materials & methods: Here, we propose additional experiments with the same BNNTs, but shortened (similar to 1.5 mu m) 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 mu g/ml, once more confirming biosafety of BNNTs, and again highlighting that nanoparticle aspect ratio plays a key role in the biocompatibility evaluation.
2014
Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica - IFC
biocompatibility
boron nitride nanotubes
gum Arabic
HUVECs
SH-SY5Y
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Descrizione: Cytocompatibility evaluation of gum Arabic-coated ultra-pure boron nitride nanotubes on human cells
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14243/251723
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