Dually-functionalized boron nitride nanotubes to target glioblastoma multiforme

• Published in: Materials today chemistry 2020-06, Vol.16, p.100270, Article 100270
• Main Authors: Niskanen, J., Zhang, I., Xue, Y., Golberg, D., Maysinger, D., Winnik, F.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Folic acid; Internalization; Nerve growth factor; Polyzwitterions; Surface-initiated grafting
• ISSN: 2468-5194; 2468-5194
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtchem.2020.100270

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) were functionalized under mild conditions, using a difunctional amine, such as glycine, with one of three targeting ligands, folic acid, a nerve growth factor, or an antibody against nerve growth factor. In addition, non-fouling BNNTs were obtained by a facile and versatile, non-destructive method via controlled surface-initiated grafting of polyzwitterions. The BNNTs were loaded with a fluorescent probe for convenient imaging of glioblastoma multiforme cells treated with BNNTs. BNNTs bearing targeting factors on their outer surface demonstrated an increased efficiency of internalization in glioblastoma multiforme cells, compared to non-modified BNNTs. The degree of internalization was affected both by the nature of the ligand/agonist linked to the BNNTs surface and by the presence of serum proteins. The polyzwitterion grafts prevented the spontaneous adsorption of serum proteins on the BNNTs. [Display omitted] •Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) functionalized under mild conditions with folic acid, a nerve growth factor and an antibody.•Non-fouling BNNTs were obtained by non-destructive method via controlled surface-initiated grafting of polyzwitterions.•Fluorescent probe was loaded into the BNNTs for convenient imaging of glioblastoma multiforme cells treated with BNNTs.•BNNTs bearing targeting factors demonstrated increased internalization in cells, compared to non-modified BNNTs.•Polyzwitterion grafts prevent adsorption of serum proteins, which can affect the internalization of nanoparticles.