In vitro toxicity evaluation of hydrogel–carbon nanotubes composites on intestinal cells

Abstract

Composite materials based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polymeric hydrogels have become the subject matter of major interest for use as carriers in drug delivery research. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of the hydrogel–carbon nanotube–chitosan (hydrogel–CNT–CH) composites on intestinal cells. Oxidized CNT were wrapped with chitosan (CH), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) analysis suggest that oxidized CNT interact with CH. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show a CH layer lying around CNT. Chitosan wrapped CNT were incorporated to poly (acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) hydrogels. Swelling behavior in buffers at different pH were evaluated and revealed a significantly lower swelling when it is exposed to a acid buffer solution (pH 2.2). Mechanical properties were evaluated by measurements of elasticity and the material with CNT showed better mechanical properties. The incorporation and liberation of Egg Yolk Immunoglobulin from hydrogel–CNT–CH were also assessed and it revealed an improved performance. To evaluate the effect of these nanocomposites on cellular redox balance, intestinal cells were exposed to hydrogel–CNT–CH composites and antioxidant enzymes were assessed. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were also evaluated. Hydrogel–CNT–CH composites induce no oxidative stress and there were no evidence of cytotoxicity or cell death. These preliminary findings suggest that hydrogel–CNT–CH composites show improved properties and good biocompatibility in vitro making these biomaterials promising systems for drug delivery purposes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41370.

Nanocomposites based on pH-sensitive hydrogels and chitosan decorated carbon nanotubes with antibacterial properties

“…In order to obtain antibacterial polymeric nanocomposites, CH wrapped CNT were incorporated into pH-sensitive hydrogels. In our previous study, we have shown that the addition of CH wrapped CNT to the hydrogels improved the properties of these nanocomposites without affecting their biocompatibility [9] offering new opportunities for the treatment of certain infectious diseases [3,15]. In this work, we prepared hydrogel-(CNT-CH) nanocomposites that were characterized and checked for antimicrobial activity against S. aureus.…”

“…The composites were synthesized according to previously reported methodologies [9]. AAm (Aldrich) and AAc (Aldrich) were used as monomers.…”

Egg yolk antibodies (IgY) and their applications in human and veterinary health: A review

“…Several methods have been developed to protect IgY from degradation by pH and pepsin present in the stomach, allowing it to arrive unscathed at the small intestine, which is especially important for the use of IgY against enteric pathogens. Among these treatments, chitosan and alginate microcapsules [29], β-cyclodextrin microcapsules [30,31], copolymers of methacrylic acid [32], liposomes [31,33], multiple emulsification [34], hydrogel [35] and carbon nanotubes with hydrogel [36] have been tested with different degrees of success. Nonetheless, unprotected IgY consumed as egg yolk in liquid [37] and powder forms [38] showed resistance to the gastrointestinal tract conditions in calves.…”

Stimuli-responsive nanogel composites and their application in nanomedicine

“…In terms of mechanical, optical, conductive, and thermal properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have received enormous attention in the field of bioapplications. [151][152][153] Although many research groups have incorporated CNTs into hydrogel polymers 154 in order to reinforce gel structure, increase electrical conductivity, and enhance NIR sensitivity properties, only a few studies have reported the preparation of the CNT-nanogel composite for drug delivery purposes. 23,24,155 Nevertheless, this is a topic that will be much studied in the forthcoming years.…”