Imogolite Synthetized in Presence of As(III) Induces Low Cell Toxicity and Hemolysis, in Vitro, Potential Stabilization of Arsenite Present in Aqueous Systems

Abstract

Imogolite is a nanotubular aluminosilicate that has low toxicity in biological systems and due to its morphological and surface properties has a growing interest in environmental applications and biomedical areas. Its synthesis is highly sensitive to the presence of other ions, being able to inhibit or retard the process of imogolite formation, which could change the cytotoxic response of this substrate, something scarcely reported in the literature. In this context, the presence of arsenite during the synthesis of imogolite caused significant changes in the dimensions and surface behavior of these nanotubes. Cell viability was evaluated on EA.hy926 and HepG2 cells by (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2 H -tetrazolium bromide) assay at 24 h. Meanwhile, the potential effects on human red blood cells, namely, hemolysis and morphological changes, were determined at 0 and 24 h. The range of % As tested of the nanotube showed cell toxicity similar to the control condition. Similarly, the As-based nanotubes induced hemolysis similar to controls and slight morphological changes of red blood cells at 0 and 24 h of exposition. These results indicate that As-based imogolite-like nanotubes are not toxic nor hemolytic and can be potentially used in processes like water purification.

Hybrid organic-inorganic nanotubes effectively adsorb some organic pollutants in aqueous phase

“…With Me-IMO NTs, the simultaneous occurrence of an inner hydrophobic surface and an outer hydrophilic (and positively charged surface) may be of interest in applications implying selective adsorption, like gas membranes, adsorption of complex mixtures and removal of water pollutants, as well. Indeed, IMO has been proposed as an optimal adsorbent of anions and, in particular, for phosphate fixation at the outer surface of the NTs (Mizota, 1977;Parfitt, 2009;Rojas-Mancilla et al, 2019).…”