Whitby M., Lin J., Quirke N., Thanou M.
Imperial College London, UK
Keywords: carbon nanopipes, cell viability, drug delivery
The development of carbon nanomaterials for biomedical applications appears highly attractive due to their nanoscale properties although their biological profile is still in doubt. Herewith, we report that the amorphous vs crystalline character of carbon nanomaterials can have a profound effect on their aqueous solubility and their effect on cell viability. We prepared carbon nanopipes using the Chemical Vapour Deposition method on anodic alumina templates. Carbon nanopipes of 250nm diameter were removed from the template as loose tubes. Several methods were applied to control the length of the pipes. Nanopipes were compared with MWNT (multiwall carbon nanotubes) for their aqueous dispersion using spectrophotometry. Carbon nanopipes and MWNT were investigated for their effect on cell viability on HeLa cells using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Results showed that carbon nanopipes remained in fine dispersion in water for at least 48h whereas MWNT precipitated during the first 2h. Surfactants had minimum effect on carbon nanopipes and variable effect on MWNT dispersion. Nanopipes remained in dispersion in cell culture media during their co-incubation for the cell viability studies. LDH assay revealed that carbon nanopipes showed substantially less cytotoxicity on HeLa cells when compared to MWNT indicating that they are a promising material for biomedical applications.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2008: Life Sciences, Medicine & Bio Materials – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 516 - 518
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8504-4