Abstract:

Objective    In this study, carboxyl single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT-COOH) were prepared, and their hemocompatibility studied.   Methods    SWCNT was treated with H2SO4/HNO3 mixture. The introduction of carboxyl groups on SWCNT was confirmed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and zeta potential analyzer. The effect of SWCNT and SWCNT-COOH on red blood cell morphology and blood coagulation was studied by scanning electron microscope (TEM) observation and thromboelastography (TEG) assay, respectively.  Results    SWCNT-COOH was successfully synthesized as confirmed by FITC and zeta potential measurement. SWCNT-COOH at 10 mg/ml caused aggregation and morphological alteration of red blood cells. SWCNT at 0.01 mg/ml and SWCNT-COOH at 0.001 mg/ml promoted the activity of clotting factors. Conclusion    SWCNT-COOH can be successfully prepared by oxidation with H2SO4/HNO3 mixture. The information on the effect of SWCNT and SWCNT-COOH on red blood cell aggregation and morphological change, and on blood coagulation is important for their design and biomedical applications.

Key words: Carboxyl single-walled carbon nanotubes, Hemocompatibility, Red blood cells, Blood coagulation