Interaction of boron nitride nanotubes with human embryonic kidney and monocytic cells: In vitro analysis

Abstract

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have gained significant interest as promising nanomaterials to use in various biomedical applications. BNNTs exhibit unique qualities, such as excellent thermal, mechanical and electrical properties. To date, few studies have reported on the toxicity levels of BNNTs that were synthesised, mainly through chemical vapour deposition or commercially available. Therefore, it is necessary to research the toxicity levels of BNNTs, using different approaches of synthesis and functionalisation. The current study investigated the toxicity of synthesised BNNTs using the co-precipitation and annealing process, and purified with acidic treatment. In addition, modification with hydroxyl groups was performed to obtain an excellent stable suspension of BNNTs in aqueous media. Various concentrations of BNNTs incubated with human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293 T) and THP-1 cells were analysed to determine the toxicity. The analysis was carried out using flow cytometry and live/dead staining. Furthermore, the thermal properties, ultraviolet absorption, and morphology of the produced BNNTs were analysed. The results showed that synthesised BNNTs do not show adverse toxicity after an incubation period of 48 h in both types of cells. Therefore, the work suggests that BNNTs may be a promising material for biological applications.