Hydrogel Grafted on Boron Nitride Nanotubes: Preparation, Characterization and Potential Use as Drug Delivery System Tests

Reference	Presenter	Authors (Institution)	Abstract
02-024	Gabriel Augusto Alemão Monteiro	Monteiro, G.A.(Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear); Silva, W.M.(Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear); Sousa, R.G.(Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais); Macedo, W.A.(Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear); Gastelois, P.L.(Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear); Sousa, E.M.(Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear);	Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and sensitive hydrogels (SH) have been of interest as drug delivery systems (DDS) due to their specific characteristics. BNNTs, like other nanostructured materials, have growing notoriety as systems aiming bioapplications. Hybrids formed between these ceramic structures and SHs are regarded as potential and safe DDS as the latters respond strongly to environmental changes. The synthesis of a BNNT-Poly[(N-iPAAm)-co-(MAA)] system was explored in this work to create an environment-based DDS as a new pharmaceutical perspective. Due to the diffusion modulation shown by these SHs in response to external factors, the drug release can be controlled and directed as needed, as tested via Doxorubicin (Doxo) release tests in different temperatures and pH values. The CVD-formed BNNTs were oxidized and then functionalized via microwaves with triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), a crosslinking agent. The hybrids were formed by polymerizing Poly[(N-iPAAm)-co-(MAA)] and grafting it to the functionalized BNNTs through the TEGDMA bonds, covalently linking the two phases. The samples were characterized using TGA, elemental analysis, FTIR, XPS, zeta potential, SEM and TEM to evaluate their physical-chemical properties and UV-Vis to measure the Doxo incorporation and release tests. The material’s chemical bonds were identified and the amounts of the elements, measured. Both parameters indicate the BNNTs’ functionalization and hydrogel presence in their structure and are reinforced by mass loss due to temperature rise and observed morphology. The results confirm successful synthesis of these systems and stimulate their investigation as anticancer drugs carriers with sensibility to both temperature and pH.
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