title: A simple approach to covalent functionalization of boron nitride nanotubes.
abstract: A novel and simple method for the preparation of chemically functionalized boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) is presented. Thanks to a strong oxidation followed by the silanization of the surface through 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES), BNNTs exposing amino groups on their surface were successfully obtained. The efficacy of the procedure was assessed with EDS and XPS analyses, which demonstrated a successful functionalization of ~15% boron sites. This approach opens interesting perspectives for further modification of BNNTs with several kinds of molecules. Since, in particular, biomedical applications are envisaged, we also demonstrated in vitro biocompatibility and cellular up-take of the functionalized BNNTs.
authors.affiliation: Italian Institute of Technology, Smart Materials Lab, Center for MicroBioRobotics @Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera (Pisa), Italy. g.ciofani@sssup.it
authors.forename: Gianni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ciofani
authors.forename: Giada Graziana
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Genchi
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Liakos
authors.forename: Athanassia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Athanassiou
authors.forename: Dinuccio
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dinucci
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chiellini
authors.forename: Virgilio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mattoli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001896:Boron Compounds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D055664:Electrochemical Techniques; D051379:Mice; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D041681:NIH 3T3 Cells; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D056951:Photoelectron Spectroscopy; D011437:Propylamines; D012821:Silanes / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001896:Boron Compounds; D011437:Propylamines; D012821:Silanes; C017282:boron nitride; C477625:amino-propyl-triethoxysilane