Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are intriguing nanomaterials with a wide range of potential biomedical applications. The assessment of BNNT interactions with biological systems, at both the cellular and subcellular levels, is an essential starting point for determining their bio-safety.We explore the effects of increasing concentrations of GC-BNNTs (0-100. μg/mL) on human vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), testing cell toxicity, proliferation, cytoskeleton integrity, cell activation and DNA damage.No significant changes were observed in cell viability, cytoskeleton integrity or DNA damage. Only a modest reduction in cell viability, tested by trypan blue assay, and the increased expression of vascular adhesion molecule-1, a marker of cell activation, were detected at the highest concentration used (100. μg/mL).Taken together, these findings indicate that GC-BNNTs do not affect endothelial cell biology, and are a promising first step in further investigation of their application potential in vascular targeting, imaging, and drug delivery. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
Cytocompatibility evaluation of glycol-chitosan coated boron nitride nanotubes in human endothelial cells
Del Turco S.;Saponaro C.;Nitti S.;
2013-01-01
Abstract
Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are intriguing nanomaterials with a wide range of potential biomedical applications. The assessment of BNNT interactions with biological systems, at both the cellular and subcellular levels, is an essential starting point for determining their bio-safety.We explore the effects of increasing concentrations of GC-BNNTs (0-100. μg/mL) on human vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), testing cell toxicity, proliferation, cytoskeleton integrity, cell activation and DNA damage.No significant changes were observed in cell viability, cytoskeleton integrity or DNA damage. Only a modest reduction in cell viability, tested by trypan blue assay, and the increased expression of vascular adhesion molecule-1, a marker of cell activation, were detected at the highest concentration used (100. μg/mL).Taken together, these findings indicate that GC-BNNTs do not affect endothelial cell biology, and are a promising first step in further investigation of their application potential in vascular targeting, imaging, and drug delivery. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
