An Assessment of the Potential Use of BNNTs for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy.

Tiago Ferreira,Zildete Rocha,Dawidson Gomes,Edesia Sousa,Alexandre Leal,Marcelo Miranda

doi:10.3390/nano7040082

Abstract

Currently, nanostructured compounds have been standing out for their optical, mechanical, and chemical features and for the possibilities of manipulation and regulation of complex biological processes. One of these compounds is boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), which are a nanostructured material analog to carbon nanotubes, but formed of nitrogen and boron atoms. BNNTs present high thermal stability along with high chemical inertia. Among biological applications, its biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and functionalization potential can be highlighted, in addition to its eased utilization due to its nanometric size and tumor cell internalization. When it comes to new forms of therapy, we can draw attention to boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), an experimental radiotherapy characterized by a boron-10 isotope carrier inside the target and a thermal neutron beam focused on it. The activation of the boron-10 atom by a neutron generates a lithium atom, a gamma ray, and an alpha particle, which can be used to destroy tumor tissues. The aim of this work was to use BNNTs as a boron-10 carrier for BNCT and to demonstrate its potential. The nanomaterial was characterized through XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The WST-8 assay was performed to confirm the cell viability of BNNTs. The cells treated with BNNTs were irradiated with the neutron beam of a Triga reactor, and the apoptosis caused by the activation of the BNNTs was measured with a calcein AM/propidium iodide test. The results demonstrate that this nanomaterial is a promising candidate for cancer therapy through BNCT.

Highlights

Several research groups have been studying the use of nanostructured materials for biomedical applications
The present study evaluated, in an innovative approach, the possible use of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) as a tool for
The present study evaluated, in an innovative approach, the possible use of BNNTs as a tool for the treatment of cancer through Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT)

Summary

Introduction

Several research groups have been studying the use of nanostructured materials for biomedical applications. The intrinsic optical, magnetic, mechanical, and chemical properties of these nanomaterials offer new opportunities to manipulate and regulate complex biological processes. These features allow, for example, major advances in the fields of molecular biology and bioengineering through the release of specific molecules in a targeted way [1,2,3]. In this context, boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) can be highlighted. BNNTs present a low probability of degrading or releasing their content at undesired sites prematurely or into the bloodstream, so they are safer and stable

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