In Vitro Toxicity Evaluation of Hydrogel-Carbon Nanotubes Composites on Intestinal Cells

ROMINA BELLINGERI ; FABRISIO ALUSTIZA; NATALIA PICCO; DIEGO ACEVEDO; M.A. MOLINA; REBECA RIVERO; CAROLINA GROSSO; CARLOS MOTTA; CESAR BARBERO; ADRIANA VIVAS

JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE

JOHN WILEY & SONS INC

Año: 2015 vol. 132

0021-8995

Composite materials based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polymeric hydrogels have become the subject matter ofmajor interest for use as carriers in drug delivery research. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of thehydrogel?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 exposedto a acid buffer solution (pH 2.2). Mechanical properties were evaluated by measurements of elasticity and the material with CNTshowed better mechanical properties. The incorporation and liberation of Egg Yolk Immunoglobulin from hydrogel?CNT?CH werealso 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 apoptosiswere also evaluated. Hydrogel?CNT?CH composites induce no oxidative stress and there were no evidence of cytotoxicity or celldeath. These preliminary findings suggest that hydrogel?CNT?CH composites show improved properties and good biocompatibilityin vitro making these biomaterials promising systems for drug delivery purposes