Surface Of Boron Nitride Nanotubes Research Articles

Al- and Ga-embedded boron nitride nanotubes as effective nanocarriers for delivery of rizatriptan

Motivated by earlier experimental and theoretical studies on the potential of different nanostructures for drug delivery, the adsorption and electrical sensitivity of pristine, Al- and Ga-embedded (8,0) boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) to a rizatriptan (RZ) molecule are explored using dispersion-corrected density functional density calculations. The RZ molecule is shown to be weakly adsorbed on pristine BNNT, with a modest adsorption energy of −0.46 eV and only a minor impact on its electronic properties. The replacement of a B atom with an Al or Ga promotes the reactivity of the BNNT toward the RZ molecule, as evidenced by calculated adsorption energies and charge-transfer values. Once the RZ molecule is introduced onto the BNNTs, the band gap of the tubes narrows. However, the amount of reduction in band gap values of Al- or Ga- embedded BNNT is more pronounced than that of pristine tube. As solvent effects are included, the desorption times of RZ from the surface of BNNTs are expected to be shortened. The influence of surface charge on the adsorption process of RZ molecules, as well as curvature effects, is thoroughly investigated. Overall, the high sensitivity, reasonable adsorption energies, and fast desorption suggest that Al- and Ga-embedded BNNTs might be served as effective drug delivery systems for RZ.

High-Throughput computational screening of Single-atom embedded in defective BN nanotube for electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation

The boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have been widely used in various energy applications such as hydrogen storage, gas sensor, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, and so on. Herein, the potential application of BNNT-based catalysts was explored in electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) by density functional theory (DFT) computations. A series of single metal/non-metal atoms (18 transition metals (3d ∼ 5d) and 6 non-metals (B, C, N, Si, P, and As)) supported on the defective BNNT were investigated. Among them, Os-doped (Os@BNNT) single-atom catalyst (SAC) can significantly promote the NRR process, and possess a rather low overpotential (0.31 V), as well as high selectivity over HER competition. The confined Os atom not only serves as an electron donor to supply electrons for NRR, but also acts as a channel for interfacial charge transfer between substrate and NRR intermediates. Moreover, the curved surface of BNNT can decrease the barrier for protonating *NH2 to·NH3. The synergistic collaboration of single-atom Os catalyst and curved surface of BNNT facilitates the NRR process. Our findings open up a new avenue for designing novel nanotube-based materials as eNRR electrocatalysts.

Molecular engineering of the surface of boron nitride nanotubes for manufacture of thermally conductive dielectric polymer composites

Recent developments in microelectronic devices have led to rising demand for polymeric nanocomposites that can simultaneously deliver enhanced thermal conduction and electrical insulation. Boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) is one of the most promising fillers for the fabrication of such composites. While being electrically insulating, effective crystal lattice vibrations allow BNNTs to achieve thermal conductivity values that can even surpass that of diamond. However, when BNNTs are surface functionalized and incorporated within polymers, their lattice vibrations are significantly suppressed, resulting in polymeric nanocomposites with thermal conductivity values only a fraction of what BNNTs can achieve in air. The aim of this study is to shed light on the underlying cause of this challenge for thermally conductive, dielectric polycarbonate (PC)/BNNT nanocomposites that were produced using two distinct surface functionalization approaches. By incorporation of BNNTs in PC, the thermal conductivity values were significantly increased. However, depending on nanotubes’ concentration, the thermal conductivity of pristine BNNTs in PC were comparable or superior to those of the functionalized nanotubes. Theoretical analysis and experimental characterization have been conducted to elucidate the fundamental impacts of surface functionalization on the lattice vibrations of BNNTs and their subsequent effects on the thermal properties of dielectric BNNT composites.

BNNT-ZnO QDs nanocomposites for improving piezoelectric nanogenerator and piezoelectric properties of boron nitride nanotube

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are eco-friendly and lightweight materials with various physical, chemical, piezoelectric and mechanical properties. In particular, their exceptional properties can be exploited for piezoelectric applications. However, it remains a great challenge to improve the efficiency of the piezoelectric properties in the radial direction rather than the longitudinal direction. Thus, design with BNNT-inorganic composite materials is required including the outstanding inorganic piezoelectric materials to induce the improved performance of the piezoelectric properties. Here, we suggest the high-performance piezoelectric device as a nanogenerator based on BNNT-ZnO quantum dots (QDs) nanocomposites. The ZnO QDs were chemically synthesized on the surface of BNNTs by hydrothermal synthesis. As to the critical piezoelectric properties, we have investigated piezoelectric constants of BNNT-ZnO QDs nanocomposites and the difference in piezoelectric properties between out-of-plane and in-plane through conventional piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM) analysis. In addition, we confirmed the piezoelectric effect generated by applying a specific force to the single wire of BNNT-ZnO QDs nanocomposites in the radial direction using in-situ hybrid SEM-PFM technique. The effective piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of the single wire of BNNT-ZnO QDs in the radial direction and the piezoelectric charge coefficient of BNNT-ZnO QDs films were increased by 42.8% (0.340 pm/V) and 41.9% (−60.3 pC/N), respectively, compared to that of the single wire of BNNT and BNNT films. BNNT-ZnO QDs nanocomposites based transparent and flexible piezoelectric device showed excellent piezoelectric properties with a small amount of 0.18 wt%. The piezoelectric performance of nanogenerator with electrically poled BNNT-ZnO QDs nanocomposites was improved by more than 140% and 45%, respectively, compared to those of intrinsic BNNT-ZnO QDs nanocomposites and BNNT. Therefore, this study will pave a new path to the development of innovative materials and devices to generate recycled energy.

Emerging Applications of Boron Nitride Nanotubes in Energy Harvesting, Electronics, and Biomedicine.

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are structurally and mechanically similar to carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In contrast, BNNTs exhibit unique properties for being electrically insulating and optically transparent due to the polarized boron nitride bonds. All these properties have prevented the use of BNNTs for energy harvesting and electronic devices for more than 25 years. During the past few years, researchers have started to demonstrate a series of novel applications of BNNTs based on unique properties not found on CNTs. For example, these novel applications include osmotic power harvesting using the charged inner surfaces of BNNTs, room-temperature single-electron transistors using insulating BNNTs as the tunneling channels, high-brightness fluorophores that can be 1000-times brighter than regular dyes, and transistors based on Tellurium atomic chains filled inside BNNTs. We have reviewed some of these emerging applications and provided our perspective for future work.

In Silico Adsorption of Lomustin anticancer drug on the surface of Boron Nitride nanotube

The present study aimed to assess the adsorption of Lomustin on the single-walled Boron Nitride nanotube which has been examined using Density Functional Theory (DFT), agent in a solvent phase (water) at the B3LYP/6-31G (d) theoretical level. Initially, the structures of Lomustin, Boron Nitride nanotube, and Lomustin complexes with Boron Nitride nanotubes were designed in Gauss View in three different conformers and were optimized geometrically, on which IR and frontier molecular orbital computations were carried out. Adsorption energy values, Gibbs free energy changes (ΔGad), adsorption enthalpy changes (ΔHad), and equilibrium thermodynamic constants were estimated. The results showed that adsorption process was spontaneous, exothermic and non-equilibrium. The values of specific heat capacity and adsorption enthalpy indicate that this nanostructure can be used to build new thermal sensors to measure Lomustin. The results of molecule orbitals estimations showed that energy gap, after drug absorption on the nanotube surface, decreased significantly and the values of chemical hardness and dipole moment were studied after the interaction of drug with adsorbent and the results showed that drug solubility and reactivity, after adsorption on Boron Nitride nanotubes, increased significantly. According to the obtained results for adsorption of Lomustin, this nanostructure can be used as a sensing material in building new electrochemical sensors to measure this drug.

Characterization of self-aggregated mitomycin C onto the boron-nitride nanotube as a drug delivery carrier: A molecular dynamics investigation

A quinone-containing anticancer drug, named Mitomycin c (MMC), is known to redox cycle and generates reactive oxygen species. The MMC's topical application is a treatment choice for those whose surgery cannot be done to them and those with postoperative restenosis. In this regard, the self-aggregation of MMC in two water models on the boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) surface has been studied using the classical molecular dynamics technique. The boron nitride surfaces are known for their potential capability of immobilizing drugs as drug carriers. Besides, the ability of BNNT in order to adsorb aggregated MMCs was examined. The structural parameters, root mean square deviation and the center of the mass difference of MMC and BNNT were calculated. These data indicate that the immobilization and adsorption of MMC molecules on the boron nitride surface had been done efficiently. The energetic analysis indicates the self-aggregation of MMCs on the BNNT. The radial distribution function and coordination number were used to analyze the water effect on the immobilization and aggregation of MMC molecules on the BNNT surface. The results of the molecular dynamics simulations show the ability of BN nanotube for the delivery application of aggregated MMC molecules.

Fabrication and Surface Deformation of Boron Nitride Nanotubes by RF Plasma and Ion Beam

Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNT) are one of the candidate materials for storing hydrogen by physical adsorption. It has been reported that this hydrogen storage capacity increases as the crystallinity of the nanostructures decreases. Here, BNNT was synthesized using an RF plasma torch system, and the surface of the BNNT was irradiated with nitrogen ions using an ion beam device, and changes in the surface microstructure were subsequently investigated. A multi-walled BNNT with a wall thickness of about 5 nm was synthesized using a 60 kW RF plasma torch. Amorphous impurities generated during the synthesis process were removed by heat treatment and membrane filtering. Then nitrogen ions were irradiated for 40 minutes at energies of 40 keV and 50 keV, respectively, using an ion beam irradiation device. The changes in the microstructure of the BNNT surface following ion beam irradiation were confirmed by HR-TEM, Raman spectrometer and FT-IR spectrometer. The tube walls of the BNNT were disordered by the nitrogen ions irradiation. At 50 keV, the tube walls located in the middle became disordered, which was attributed to an increase in penetration depth due to the higher irradiation energy. The maximum peak in the Raman spectra and FT-IR spectra of the ion irradiated BNNT were also shifted to a lower frequency. Ion irradiation reduced the crystallinity of the nanostructures. The potential improvement in hydrogen storage capacity by nitrogen ion irradiation of BNNT was confirmed.

Formation of multiple helical structures induced by boron nitride nanotubes

• Multiple helical nanostructures are formed which are induced by the boron nitride nanotubes. • The chain number of polyacetylene influences the final configuration of polymer. • Some other influence factors are also displayed. In this manuscript, a molecular dynamics simulation was used to investigate the formation process of multiple helical nanostructures which was induced by the boron nitride nanotubes. The results displayed that three chains of polyacetylene changed to helical nanostructures in the boron nitride nanotube through self-assemble process. The combined action of the van der Waals potential well and the π–π stacking interaction between the polyacetylene and the inner surface of boron nitride nanotubes results in the formation of helical nanostructures. The chain number of polyacetylene influences the final configuration of polymer. Furthermore, some other influence factors such as the diameter of boron nitride nanotube and the length of polymer were also displayed. The new geometrical structures between polyacetylene and boron nitride nanotubes may attract more attention in chemical functionalization and helical polymer synthesis, which may be helpful for fabricating nanoscale devices.

Electric Field Effects on Buckling Analysis of Boron–Nitride Nanotubes Using Surface Elasticity Theory

In this paper, the axial buckling of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) is investigated by considering the effects of surface and electric field. To achieve this purpose, the surface elasticity theory is exploited and the results are compared with the molecular dynamic simulation in order to validate the accuracy of the applied theory. In the molecular dynamics simulation, the potential between boron and nitride atoms is considered as Tersoff type. The Timoshenko beam theory is adopted to model BNNT. Moreover, two types of zigzag and armchair BNNTs are considered. In this study, the effects of surface, electric field, length, and thickness of BNNT on the critical buckling load are investigated. According to the results, the critical load of zigzag BNNT depends on the electric field. However, the electric field would not affect the critical load of the armchair BNNT. It should be noted that the surface residual tension and surface Lamé’s constants of BNNT have considerable impact on the critical load of BNNT. For lower values of electric field and smaller dimensions of BNNT, the critical load would be more dependent on the surface effect regarding the results. Furthermore, as an efficient non-classical continuum mechanic approach, the surface elasticity theory can fill the potential gap between the classical continuum mechanic and molecular dynamics simulation.

Interaction of propylthiouracil, an anti-thyroid drug with boron nitride nanotube: a DFT study

A theoretical study was performed on the adsorption of propylthiouracil (PTU) on the outer surface of boron nitride nanotube (BNNT). In this investigation, the BNNTs with (5,5), (6,6) and (7,7) chiralities were selected. The PTU molecule was located on the outer surface of BNNT in perpendicular and parallel modes. After the relaxation of whole system, the energy values and optimum distances in two different configurations were calculated. According to calculations, the adsorption of PTU upon the outer wall of BNNT was thermodynamically favorable. It was revealed that the adsorption of PTU through its S atom on the outside of BNNT with (5,5) chirality is the most stable state with the adsorption energy of − 6.30 kcal/mol. In addition, the adsorption process also effects on the HOMO–LUMO levels such that a slight increase in HOMO value and a considerable decrease in LUMO value was observed for both of Drug@BNNTs groups in these systems. Therefore, the energy gaps (Eg) between HOMO and LUMO are reduced, indicating the greater strength of intermolecular bond. Moreover, the reactivity and the stability of the Drug@BNNTs complexes were evaluated to determine the magnitude of the chemical reactivity descriptors including electrophilicity, chemical potential, and global hardness index. According to the results, BNNTs can be employed as a carrier for drug delivery purposes to transport the PTU as anticancer drug in the biological systems. This theoretical study was investigated in the presence and absence of water as solvent. In this study, the adsorption of propylthiouracil (PTU) on the outer surface of boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) with (5,5), (6,6) and (7,7) chiralities was investigated by density functional theory (DFT). The results revealed that BNNTs can be applied as carrier for drug delivery purposes to transport the PTU as anti-thyroid drug into target tissues.

Noncovalent functionalization of boron nitride nanotubes using poly(2,7‐carbazole)s

AbstractTo fully actualize the potential of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), it is necessary to overcome the inherent insolubility of this nanomaterial. Drawing on the successes realized in the analogous carbon nanotube field, noncovalent functionalization with conjugated polymers offers a simple, scalable route toward the production of stable dispersions of BNNTs. 2,7‐carbazoles were chosen as our core monomer based on density functional theory (DFT) predictions, which suggest superior interactions with BNNTs when compared to fluorene‐BNNT interactions. Homo poly(2,7‐carbazole)s and copolymers with fluorenes were synthesized and used successfully to disperse BNNTs into organic solvents. Thermogravimetric analysis and atomic force microscopy results confirm the proficiency of these polymers to disperse large amounts (> 80% by weight) of individualized BNNTs. Analysis of absorbance data shows that the choice of solvent is critical, with stability enhanced in THF compared to CHCl3 due to the more efficient planarization of polymer chains on the surface of BNNTs, particularly for the homopolymers. The utility of these highly‐soluble poly(2,7‐carbazole)‐BNNT complexes for printed electronics and transparent composites was demonstrated by the fabrication of simple capacitors and incorporation into poly(methyl methacrylate) composites, respectively.

Fabrication of Noncovalently Functionalized Boron Nitride Nanotubes with High Stability and Water-Redispersibility.

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have attracted significant interest because of the remarkable difference in their physical properties compared with carbon nanotubes and their far-reaching potential applications, including electrical insulators; thermally conducting, catalytic, and piezoelectric materials; and neutron absorbers. Despite their unique physical properties, the bundling and insolubility of BNNTs in water because of its substantial van der Waals attraction and hydrophobicity, respectively, give rise to many limitations in practical applications. Here, we present a new way to produce a highly stable BNNT dispersion by the noncovalent functionalization of the BNNT surface in water. The noncovalently functionalized BNNTs (p-BNNTs) have been found to be highly stable in water for a long time (>1 year) and easily water-redispersible by mild vortex mixing for a few minutes even after freeze-drying at -45 °C. The p-BNNTs were cylindrically encapsulated with polymerizable surfactants (BNNT diameter = ca. 3 nm and surfactant thickness = 0.8 nm).

Single- and double-walled boron nitride nanotubes: Controlled synthesis and application for water purification

Research interest in boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) has increased after the recent success of large-scale BNNT syntheses using high-temperature-pressure laser ablation or high-temperature plasma methods. Nonetheless, there are limits to the application and commercialization of these materials because of the difficulties associated with their fine structural control. Herein, the growth kinetics of BNNTs were systemically studied for this purpose. The growth pressure of the nitrogen feed gas was varied while the growth temperature remained constant, which was confirmed by black body radiation measurements and calculations based on a heat loss model. Changing from the diffusion-limited regime to the supply-limited regime of growth kinetics based on the optimized BNNT synthesis condition afforded the control of the number of BNNT walls. The total amount of BNNTs possessing single and double walls was over 70%, and the BNNT surface area increased to 278.2 m2/g corresponding to small wall numbers and diameters. Taking advantage of the large surface area and high-temperature durability of the material, BNNTs utilized as a recyclable adsorbent for water purification. The efficiency of the BNNTs for capturing methylene blue particles in water was approximately 94%, even after three repetition cycles, showing the potential of the material for application in the filter industry.

Dually-functionalized boron nitride nanotubes to target glioblastoma multiforme

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) were functionalized under mild conditions, using a difunctional amine, such as glycine, with one of three targeting ligands, folic acid, a nerve growth factor, or an antibody against nerve growth factor. In addition, non-fouling BNNTs were obtained by a facile and versatile, non-destructive method via controlled surface-initiated grafting of polyzwitterions. The BNNTs were loaded with a fluorescent probe for convenient imaging of glioblastoma multiforme cells treated with BNNTs. BNNTs bearing targeting factors on their outer surface demonstrated an increased efficiency of internalization in glioblastoma multiforme cells, compared to non-modified BNNTs. The degree of internalization was affected both by the nature of the ligand/agonist linked to the BNNTs surface and by the presence of serum proteins. The polyzwitterion grafts prevented the spontaneous adsorption of serum proteins on the BNNTs.

Theoretical studies of the paracetamol and phenacetin adsorption on single-wall boron-nitride nanotubes: a DFT and MD investigation

In the recent work, we have used the density functional theory (DFT) and the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation methods to investigate the adsorption behavior of paracetamol and phenacetin molecules on the boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) in the aqueous phase. In this research, several armchair (n,n) BNNTs, where n = 5, 6, and 7 have been used. Two different interactions, including interaction of paracetamol and phenacetin molecules with outer and inner surfaces of BNNTs were studied. The results show that both paracetamol and phenacetin molecules are not adsorbed inside of (5,5) BNNT and are desorbed. It is found that the most stable adsorption corresponds to (6,6) BNNT, when the drug molecule is located inside of the nanotube. The strongest interaction corresponds to adsorption of phenacetin molecule inside of (6,6) BNNT.

Effects of Boron Nitride Nanotube on the Secondary Structure of Aβ(1-42) Trimer: Possible Inhibitory Effect on Amyloid Formation.

Aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides into prefibrillar toxic oligomers is responsible for Alzheimer's disease, which is one of the most commonly known forms of neurodegenerative diseases. It has been reported that the low-molecular weight Aβ(1-42) trimer and its higher order oligomers are responsible for the cytotoxicity in the neuronal cells, leading to their death. Various experimental studies have shown that boron nitride nanotube (BNNTs) are noncytotoxic for health and environment and biocompatible in living cells and can be used as delivery vehicles for brain anticancer drugs. Here, we investigate the effects of BNNT on the secondary structure of Aβ(1-42) in the amyloid oligomerization process. We have performed long atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of 4.0 μs in total to study the structural stability of Aβ(1-42) trimer both in presence and absence of BNNT in explicit solvent. It is found that in the absence of BNNT, Aβ(1-42) trimer aggregates, leading to α-helix to β-sheet transition, whereas BNNT provides structural stability to the peptides by keeping them separated and preserving the initial monomeric helical conformation of the Aβ(1-42) trimer. It is found through a free-energy decomposition analysis that the key residues (Lys28, Ile31, Ile32, Leu34, Val40, and Ile41) from the C-terminal that are more responsible for β-sheet fibril formation bind with the BNNT surface and block their structural conversion. Due to the presence of polar B-N bonds, BNNT is less hydrophobic as compared with the carbonaceous nanomaterials where large hydrophobicity of these carbonaceous nanomaterials mostly destabilizes the secondary structure of peptides. The current study reveals that the less hydrophobicity of BNNT provides stability of the initial secondary structure of the Aβ(1-42) trimer and hinders their aggregation. Hence, the secondary structure stabilization in presence of BNNT provides new possibilities for the design of different nanoparticles as therapeutic agents for different types of amyloidogenesis by tuning their hydrophobicity.

Electrostabilized homogeneous dispersion of boron nitride nanotubes in wide-range of solvents achieved by surface polarity modulation through pyridine attachment

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) show exceptional physical properties including high mechanical strength and thermal conductivity; however, their applications have been restricted due to limited dispersibility in processing solvents. Here, a novel BNNT dispersion method with exceptional dispersibility in a wide range of solvents has been demonstrated by surface polarity modulation through short-molecule pyridine attachment. Nitrogen atoms in pyridine are selectively bonded to electron-deficient boron atoms of the BNNT surface through Lewis acid-base reaction, which changes the surface polarity of BNNTs from neutral to negative. Re-dispersing pyridine-attached BNNTs (Py-BNNTs) create a thick and stable electronic double layer (EDL), resulting in uniform dispersion of BNNTs in solvents with an exceptional solubility parameter range of 18.5–48 MPa1/2. The uniform dispersion of BNNTs is maintained even after the mixing with diverse polymers. Finally, composites incorporating uniformly-distributed BNNTs have been realized, and extraordinary property enhancements have been observed. The thermal conductivity of 20 wt.% Py-BNNT/epoxy composite has been significantly improved by 69.6% and the tensile strength of 2 wt.% Py-BNNT/PVA has been dramatically improved by 75.3%. Our work demonstrates a simple and facile route to dispersing BNNTs in diverse solvents, consequently leading to selective utilization of BNNT dispersed solvents in various application fields.

Enhanced nanoparticle rejection in aligned boron nitride nanotube membranes.

The rejection of particles with different charges and sizes, ranging from a few Ångstroms to tens of nanometers, is key to a wide range of industrial applications, from wastewater treatment to product purification in biotech processes. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have long held the promise to revolutionize filtration, with orders of magnitude higher fluxes compared to commercial membranes. CNTs, however, can only reject particles and ions wider than their internal diameter. In this work, the fabrication of aligned boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) membranes capable of rejecting nanoparticles smaller than their internal diameter is reported for the first time. This is due to a mechanism of charge-based rejection in addition to the size-based one, enabled by the BNNTs surface structure and chemistry and elucidated here using high fidelity molecular dynamics and Brownian dynamics simulations. This results in ∼40% higher rejection of the same particles by BNNT membranes than CNT ones with comparable nanotube diameter. Furthermore, since permeance is proportional to the square of the nanotubes' diameter, using BNNT membranes with ∼30% larger nanotube diameter than a CNT membrane with comparable rejection would result in up to 70% higher permeance. These results open the way to the design of more effective nanotube membranes, capable of high particle rejection and, at the same time, high water permeance.

Boron nitride nanotube-CREKA peptide as an effective target system to metastatic breast cancer

The development of nanomaterials that are capable of recognizing disease-specific biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity is related to several advances in the field of nanomedicine. Furthermore, the targeted delivery of anticancer agents to tumor tissues enhances their efficiency and reduces their toxic side effects. Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are nanostructured materials, analog to carbon nanotubes, which present good biocompatibility and morphology suitable for tumor cell internalization. CREKA is a pentapeptide that has a high affinity to fibrin, a protein found in the new tumor vessels in the early stages of metastasis and in thrombosis regions. In this study BNNTs were chemically functionalized with the peptide CREKA, and this system was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. After the mentioned chemical steps, the FTIR analysis shows an organic phase related to the CREKA, TGA indicates that about 10% of the peptide is firmly attached to BNNT surface. In addition, the radiolabeling process was successful, achieving the purity required for the biodistribution study. In vivo experiments showed that a considerable amount of BNNT-CREKA was accumulated at the tumor and metastasis sites. The present results indicate an effective targeting of the system to tumor and metastasis sites. Further studies can reveal potential applications of functionalized BNNTs in cancer treatment.