Synthesization, Characterization, and in vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Biomaterials based on Halloysite Nanotubes

Halloysite is aluminosilicate clay that has been used in controlled drug delivery, bone implants,nanocomposites and for the capture of flowing tumoral cells. In this study halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) were functionalized by two organosilanes, Trimethoxy(propyl)silane and Triethoxy(octyl)silane. Functionalization was carried out by heating HNTs and organosilanes at 55°C for 48 h. The suspension was vacuum filtered to obtain a solid phase. Untreated and modified samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Samples were added to different cell cultures for cytotoxicity evaluation. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of materials was determined using C6 rat glioblastoma and HEK (Human Embryonic Kidney) cells. These studies allow the identification ofpotential applications in biomedical areas.