L-arginine-grafted halloysite nanotubes as a sustainable excipient for antifouling composite coating

Abstract

Halloysite Nanotubes (Hal) are aluminosilicate nanotubes that have been commonly used as reinforcements in different coatings. Their tunable surface chemistry allows them to be a receptive surface for the attachment of various molecules. Amino acids are a particular class of biomolecules known for their zwitterionic nature. This zwitterionic nature allows them to have excellent antifouling abilities. In this study, Hal has been used as supports for the attachment of l-Arginine (Arg), which is a zwitterion. The amino acid-functionalized Hal has been further characterized using SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD, DSC, and Zeta Potential Analysis. This amino acid-functionalized Hal was compared with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modified Hal (A-Hal) and pristine Hal. The % immobilization of amino acid loaded on Hal functionalized with divinyl sulfone was the highest (89.31%). The antifouling ability of the nanocomposite was tested against Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) as a model foulant while comparing it with Hal and A-Hal. Arg-DVS-A-Hal showed the highest antifouling ability (84.5%). This study was also conducted with variable concentrations of BSA and nano supports, pH, and temperature. Through this study, it was found that amino acid-functionalized Hal could be used as a potential antifouling excipient in various coatings.