Hexagonal Boron Nitride Functionalized with Au Nanoparticles-Properties and Potential Biological Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), a 2D material analogous to graphene, finds diverse applications.
• h-BN is explored as a drug delivery carrier in biomedical applications.
• Functionalization of h-BN with nanoparticles enhances its therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for exfoliating and functionalizing h-BN with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
• To evaluate the biocompatibility and cellular effects of h-BN-AuNP nanocomposites.
• To assess the potential of h-BN-AuNP nanocomposites for cancer drug delivery and photodynamic therapy.

Main Methods:

• Two-step exfoliation of h-BN: modified Hummers method followed by sonication.
• Surface functionalization of exfoliated h-BN with gold nanoparticles.
• Cell viability assays (mitochondrial activity, lysosome functionality) on L929 and MCF-7 cell lines.
• Cell proliferation assays on MCF-7 cells.

Main Results:

• h-BN was successfully exfoliated and functionalized with gold nanoparticles.
• Short-term incubation (24h) with the h-BN-AuNP nanocomposite did not affect mitochondrial activity.
• Prolonged incubation (48-72h) reduced cellular metabolism and lysosome functionality in both cell lines.
• MCF-7 cancer cell proliferation was significantly reduced upon exposure to the h-BN-AuNP nanocomposite.

Conclusions:

• The developed h-BN-AuNP nanocomposite is a promising material for biomedical applications.
• The nanocomposite demonstrates potential for targeted cancer drug delivery and photodynamic therapy.
• Further research is warranted to optimize its therapeutic efficacy and safety profile for cancer treatment.