Imogolite is a nanotubular
aluminosilicate that has low toxicity
in biological systems and due to its morphological and surface properties
has a growing interest in environmental applications and biomedical
areas. Its synthesis is highly sensitive to the presence of other
ions, being able to inhibit or retard the process of imogolite formation,
which could change the cytotoxic response of this substrate, something
scarcely reported in the literature. In this context, the presence
of arsenite during the synthesis of imogolite caused significant changes
in the dimensions and surface behavior of these nanotubes. Cell viability
was evaluated on EA.hy926 and HepG2 cells by (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2
H
-tetrazolium bromide) assay at 24 h. Meanwhile, the potential
effects on human red blood cells, namely, hemolysis and morphological
changes, were determined at 0 and 24 h. The range of % As tested of
the nanotube showed cell toxicity similar to the control condition.
Similarly, the As-based nanotubes induced hemolysis similar to controls
and slight morphological changes of red blood cells at 0 and 24 h
of exposition. These results indicate that As-based imogolite-like
nanotubes are not toxic nor hemolytic and can be potentially used
in processes like water purification.