Potential applications of boron nitride nanotubes as drug delivery systems

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an explosion of research in the ‘bio-nano’ field, with the discovery and introduction of ever more fascinating materials for applications as drug delivery systems, sensors, transducers, and so on. The author's group, for the first time in the literature, proposed boron nitride nanotubes as a valid alternative to carbon nanotubes and other kinds of inorganic materials, because of their improved chemical properties that theoretically guarantee better stability and compatibility in a biological context. In this paper, the bio-applications of boron nitride nanotubes that have emerged in the literature are summarized, with special attention given to their exploitation as safe drug delivery and targeting carriers. Finally, the possibility of combining their physical and chemical properties is approached, highlighting the features that render these innovative nanovectors unique and exceptional candidates for many bio-applications.

Keywords::

• biocompatibility
• boron neutron capture therapy
• boron nitride nanotubes
• drug delivery
• drug targeting
• nanocarriers
• nanomedicine

Acknowledgments

The Author would like to acknowledge all the people involved in the described research, in particular S Danti, D D'Alessandro and S Moscato of the Medical School of the University of Pisa (Pisa, Italy), and L Ricotti and C Filippeschi of the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (Pisa, Italy). Moreover, the support of A Menciassi and V Mattoli of the Italian Institute of Technology c/o Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (Pontedera, Pisa, Italy) is deeply acknowledged.