CD44 Receptor-Mediated/Reactive Oxygen Species-Sensitive Delivery of Nanophotosensitizers against Cervical Cancer Cells

Stimulus-sensitive, nanomedicine-based photosensitizer delivery has an opportunity to target tumor tissues since oxidative stress and the expression of molecular proteins, such as CD44 receptors, are elevated in the tumor microenvironment. The aim of this study is to investigate the CD44 receptor- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive delivery of nanophotosensitizers of chlorin e6 (Ce6)-conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA) against HeLa human cervical cancer cells. For the synthesis of nanophotosensitizers, thioketal diamine was conjugated with the carboxyl group in HA and then the amine end group of HA-thioketal amine conjugates was conjugated again with Ce6 (Abbreviated as HAthCe6). The HAthCe6 nanophotosensitizers were of small diameter, with sizes less than 200. Their morphology was round-shaped in the observations using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The HAthCe6 nanophotosensitizers responded to oxidative stress-induced changes in size distribution when H₂O₂ was added to the nanophotosensitizer aqueous solution, i.e., their monomodal distribution pattern at 0 mM H₂O₂ was changed to dual- and/or multi-modal distribution patterns at higher concentrations of H₂O₂. Furthermore, the oxidative stress induced by the H₂O₂ addition contributed to the disintegration of HAthCe6 nanophotosensitizers in morphology, and this phenomenon accelerated the release rate of Ce6 from nanophotosensitizers. In a cell culture study using HeLa cells, nanophotosensitizers increased Ce6 uptake ratio, ROS generation and PDT efficacy compared to free Ce6. Since HA specifically bonds with the CD44 receptor of cancer cells, the pretreatment of free HA against HeLa cells decreased the Ce6 uptake ratio, ROS generation and PDT efficacy of HAthCe6 nanophotosensitizers. These results indicated that intracellular delivery of HAthCe6 nanophotosensitizers can be controlled by the CD44 receptor-mediated pathway. Furthermore, these phenomena induced CD44 receptor-controllable ROS generation and PDT efficacy by HAthCe6 nanophotosensitizers. During in vivo tumor imaging using HeLa cells, nanophotosensitizer administration showed that the fluorescence intensity of tumor tissues was relatively higher than that of other organs. When free HA was pretreated, the fluorescence intensity of tumor tissue was relatively lower than those of other organs, indicating that HAthCe6 nanophotosensitizers have CD44 receptor sensitivity and that they can be delivered by receptor-specific manner. We suggest that HAthCe6 nanophotosensitizers are promising candidates for PDT in cervical cancer.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan-Coated Near-Infrared (NIR) Layered Double Hydroxide-Indocyanine Green Nanocomposites for Potential Applications in Photodynamic Therapy

We designed a study for photodynamic therapy (PDT) using chitosan coated Mg–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles as the delivery system. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye, indocyanine green (ICG) with photoactive properties was intercalated into amine modified LDH interlayers by ion-exchange. The efficient positively charged polymer (chitosan (CS)) coating was achieved by the cross linkage using surface amine groups modified on the LDH nanoparticle surface with glutaraldehyde as a spacer. The unique hybridization of organic-inorganic nanocomposites rendered more effective and successful photodynamic therapy due to the photosensitizer stabilization in the interlayer of LDH, which prevents the leaching and metabolization of the photosensitizer in the physiological conditions. The results indicated that the polymer coating and the number of polymer coats have a significant impact on the photo-toxicity of the nano-composites. The double layer chitosan coated LDH–NH₂–ICG nanoparticles exhibited enhanced photo therapeutic effect compared with uncoated LDH–NH₂–ICG and single layer chitosan-coated LDH–NH₂–ICG due to the enhanced protection to photosensitizers against photo and thermal degradations. This new class of organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites can potentially serve as a platform for future non-invasive cancer diagnosis and therapy.     

Tailored dielectric and mechanical properties of noncovalently functionalized carbon nanotube/poly(styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene) nanocomposites

The preparation of high‐dielectric poly(styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene) (SEBS) composites containing functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (f‐SWCNTs) noncovalently appended with dibutyltindilaurate are reported herein. Transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the noncovalent functionalization of the SWCNTs. The SEBS‐f‐SWCNT composites exhibited enhanced mechanical properties as well as a stable and high dielectric constant of approximately 1000 at 1 Hz with rather low dielectric loss at 2 wt% filler content. The significantly enhanced dielectric property originates from the noncovalent functionalization of the SWCNTs that ensures good dispersion of the f‐SWCNTs in the polymer matrix. The f‐SWCNTs also acted as a reinforcing filler, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the composites. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Studies on Preparation of Photosensitizer Loaded Magnetic Silica Nanoparticles and Their Anti-Tumor Effects for Targeting Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract  As a fast developing alternative of traditional therapeutics, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective, noninvasive, nontoxic therapeutics for cancer, senile macular degeneration, and so on. But the efficacy of PDT was compromised by insufficient selectivity and low solubility. In this study, novel multifunctional silica-based magnetic nanoparticles (SMNPs) were strategically designed and prepared as targeting drug delivery system to achieve higher specificity and better solubility. 2,7,12,18-Tetramethyl-3,8-di-(1-propoxyethyl)-13,17-bis-(3-hydroxypropyl) porphyrin, shorted as PHPP, was used as photosensitizer, which was first synthesized by our lab with good PDT effects. Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) and PHPP were incorporated into silica nanoparticles by microemulsion and sol–gel methods. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. The nanoparticles were approximately spherical with 20–30 nm diameter. Intense fluorescence of PHPP was monitored in the cytoplasm of SW480 cells. The nanoparticles possessed good biocompatibility and could generate singlet oxygen to cause remarkable photodynamic anti-tumor effects. These suggested that PHPP-SMNPs had great potential as effective drug delivery system in targeting photodynamic therapy, diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic hyperthermia therapy. Graphical Abstract   Novel multifunctional photosensitizer loaded magnetic silica nanoparticles were strategically prepared with low toxicity, good biocompatibility and remarkable photodynamic anti-tumor efficacy. The nanoparticles were believed to be of great value as drug delivery system in targeting photodynamic therapy, diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic hyperthermia therapy.      

Effect of Cerenkov Radiation-Induced Photodynamic Therapy with 18F-FDG in an Intraperitoneal Xenograft Mouse Model of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) metastases frequently occur through peritoneal dissemination, and they contribute to difficulties in treatment. While photodynamic therapy (PDT) has the potential to treat OC, its use is often limited by tissue penetration depth and tumor selectivity. Herein, we combined Cerenkov radiation (CR) emitted by ¹⁸F-FDG accumulated in tumors as an internal light source and several photosensitizer (PS) candidates with matched absorption bands, including Verteporfin (VP), Chlorin e6 (Ce6) and 5′-Aminolevulinic acid (5′-ALA), to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy. The in vitro effect of CR-induced PDT (CR-PDT) was evaluated using a cell viability assay, and the efficiency of PS was assessed by measuring the singlet oxygen production. An intraperitoneal ES2 OC mouse model was used for in vivo evaluation of CR-PDT. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and bioluminescence-based imaging were performed to monitor the biologic uptake of ¹⁸F-FDG and the therapeutic effect. The in vitro studies demonstrated Ce6 and VP to be more effective PSs for CR-PDT. Moreover, VP was more efficient in the generation of singlet oxygen and continued for a long time when exposed to fluoro-18 (¹⁸F). Combining CR emitted by ¹⁸F-FDG and VP treatment not only significantly suppressed tumor growth, but also prolonged median survival times compared to either monotherapy.     

Enhanced dispersibility and cellular transmembrane capability of single-wall carbon nanotubes by polycyclic organic compounds as chaperon

The common aggregation of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) in solution is the critical obstacle to elucidate their unique physico-chemical characteristics and biological properties. Therefore, it is very important to overcome this barrier through manipulation of the weak interaction of small molecules with nanotube surface limited interface. A highly dispersed SWCNT system was achieved by binding with polycyclic organic compounds (POCs) including rhodamine 123, ethidium bromide, fluorescein isothiocyanate and 1-pyrene butyric acid as chaperons, in cooperation with sodium dodecyl sulfate. POCs were believed to penetrate through the interstices of aggregated SWCNTs and bind with individual SWCNTs to form highly dispersed and stable SWCNT-POC-surfactant conjugates in both water and phosphate buffer-serum solution, confirmed by gel electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The possible binding interaction includes π-π stacking with side-wall, electrostatic interactions with defect sites and coating surfactants. Compared to pristine SWCNTs, individual SWCNT-POC conjugates had improved transmembrane passage ability through both endocytosis and diffusion pathways, validated by laser scanning confocal microscopy and micro-Raman mapping techniques. For the applications of SWCNTs in drug delivery, in vitro imaging and other research fields, this novel strategy could provide highly dispersed SWCNTs with better efficiency of drug loading and stability.     

Effect of degree of substitution and molecular weight of carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles on doxorubicin delivery

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of carboxymethyl chitosan (CM‐chitosan) nanoparticles as carriers for the anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX). Different kinds of CM‐chitosan with various molecular weight (MW) and degree of substitution (DS) were employed to prepare nanoparticles through ionical gelification with calcium ions. Factors affecting nanoparticles formation in relation to MW and DS of CM‐chitosan were discussed. By the way of dynamic light scattering (DLS), TEM, and atomic force microscopy (AFM), nanoparticles were shown to be around 200–300 nm and in a narrow distribution. FTIR revealed strong electrostatic interactions between carboxyl groups of CM‐chitosan and calcium ions. DOX delivery was affected by the molecular structure of CM‐chitosan. Increasing MWs of CM‐chitosan from 4.50 to 38.9 kDa, DOX entrapment efficiency was enhanced from 10 to 40% and higher DS slightly improved the load of DOX. In vitro release studies showed an initial burst followed by an extended slow release. The DOX release rate was hindered by CM‐chitosan with high MW and DS. These preliminary studies showed the feasibility of CM‐chitosan nanoparticles to entrap DOX and the potential to deliver it as controlled release nanoparticles. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4689–4696, 2006     

Studies on electrospun nylon-6/chitosan complex nanofiber interactions

Composite membranes of nylon-6/chitosan nanofibers with different weight ratio of nylon-6 to chitosan were fabricated successfully using electrospinning. Morphologies of the nanofibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the intermolecular interactions of the nylon-6/chitosan complex were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as mechanical testing. We found that morphology and diameter of the nanofibers were influenced by the concentration of the solution and weight ratio of the blending component materials. Furthermore FT-IR analyses on interactions between components demonstrated an IR band frequency shift that appeared to be dependent on the amount of chitosan in the complex. Observations from XRD and DSC suggested that a new fraction of γ phase crystals appeared and increased with the increasing content of chitosan in blends, this indicated that intermolecular interactions occurred between nylon-6 and chitosan. Results from performance data in mechanical showed that intermolecular interactions varied with varying chitosan content in the fibers. It was concluded that a new composite product was created and the stability of this system was attributed to strong new interactions such as hydrogen bond formation between the nylon-6 polymers and chitosan structures.     

Engineered Exosomes as a Photosensitizer Delivery Platform for Cancer Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a non-/minimally invasive cancer treatment method, has the advantages of low side effects, high selectivity, and low drug resistance. It is currently a popular cancer treatment method. However, given the shortcomings of photosensitizers such as poor photostability, poor water solubility, and short half-life in vivo when used alone, the development of photosensitizer nano-delivery platforms has always been a research hotspot to overcome these shortcomings. In the human body, various types of cells generally release bilayer extracellular vesicles known as exosomes. Compared with traditional materials, exosomes are currently an ideal drug delivery platform due to their homology, low immunogenicity, easy modification, high biocompatibility, and natural carrying capacity. Therefore, in this concept, we focus on the research status and prospects of engineered exosome-based photosensitizer nano-delivery platforms in cancer PDT.     

Facile way to disperse single‐walled carbon nanotubes using a noncovalent method and their reinforcing effect in poly(methyl methacrylate) composites

In this work, a noncovalent method was used to functionalize and thereby disperse single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in dimethylformamide with poly[methyl methacrylate‐co‐(fluorescein O‐acrylate)] as a surfactant, and then the resultant poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)‐based nanocomposites were fabricated via solution casting. The dispersion level of carbon nanotubes in the solvent was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results showed that carbon nanotubes were well wrapped by the surfactant, and small carbon nanotube bundles several nanometers or less in diameter and several micrometers in length were obtained. Both scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the uniform dispersion of SWCNTs in the PMMA matrix. The mechanical properties of the composites were determined with a universal tension tester. The PMMA composite containing 2 wt % SWCNTs showed improved tensile properties versus neat PMMA, showing 56 and 30% enhancements of the tensile modulus and tensile stress, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Fabrication of single-walled carbon nanotubes dotted with Au nanocrystals: Potential DNA delivery nanocarriers

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) dotted with Au nanocrystals (Au-SWCNTs) were fabricated by using a two-phase reduction of hydrogen tetrachloroaurate in the presence of thiol groups anchored to SWCNTs for their potential applications in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) delivery. To allow a surface reaction on SWCNTs during the metal nucleation and growth processes, Au nanocrystals were grown using a two-phase system. Raman, XPS and transmission electron microscopy results show that the Au nanocrystals were grafted primarily to the sidewalls of the SWCNTs. DNA probes were immobilized on Au-SWCNTs by the conjugation of DNA functionalized at the 3′ end with a thiol group with Au dots of SWCNTs, followed by hybridizion of complementary oligonucleotides, as verified by fluorescence-based measurements. To investigate whether the target DNA hybridized to DNA probes immobilized on Au-SWCNTs, 618-base-pair fragments of amplified DNA were prepared by polymerase chain reaction using plasmid pET-22b as a template. Atomic force micrograph (AFM) images show that the nanorod-bound DNA is recognizable with excellent specificity, indicating the potential use of such material as a versatile gene delivery carrier in gene-based disease therapy.     

Phosphate removal by Ce(III)‐impregnated crosslinked chitosan complex from aqueous solutions

A novel adsorbent, Ce(III)‐impregnated crosslinked chitosan complex (Ce‐CCS) was prepared by the methods of membrane‐forming and crosslinking for the removal of phosphate from aqueous solutions. Ce‐CCS was characterized by FTIR, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy combined with EDAX techniques. The adsorption of phosphate onto the Ce‐CCS was determined in batch systems as a function of initial phosphate concentration, pH, contact time, and co‐anions. The maximum adsorption occurred at pH 3 or so. The presence of co‐anions decreased the adsorption of phosphate onto the Ce‐CCS. Ce‐CCS showed a higher adsorption capacity than crosslinked chitosan (CCS) due to the introduction of Ce(III). The equilibrious data by the Ce‐CCS were fitted well with Freundlich isotherm model. The kinetic data followed the pseudo‐second‐order model. Phosphate adsorption mainly included the surface complexation and electrostatic attraction between Ce‐CCS and phosphate. Besides, the Ce‐CCS was prone to regeneration with 0.1 mol/L HCl solution. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:44–51, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Viral Nanoparticle System: An Effective Platform for Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising therapy due to its efficiency and accuracy. The photosensitizer is delivered to the target lesion and locally activated. Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) have been explored as delivery vehicles for PDT in recent years because of their favorable properties, including simple manufacture and good safety profile. They have great potential as drug delivery carriers in medicine. Here, we review the development of PDT photosensitizers and discuss applications of VNP-mediated photodynamic therapies and the performance of VNPs in the treatment of tumor cells and antimicrobial therapy. Furthermore, future perspectives are discussed for further developing novel viral nanocarriers or improving existing viral vectors.     

Pro‐oxidant and Antioxidant Effects in Photodynamic Therapy: Cells Recognise that Not All Exogenous ROS Are Alike

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses light, photosensitizer molecules and oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that kill cancer cells. Redaporfin, a new photosensitizer in clinical trials, generates both singlet oxygen and superoxide ions. We report the potentiation of redaporfin–PDT in combination with ascorbate and with the inhibition of antioxidant enzymes in A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma) and CT26 (mouse colon adenocarcinoma) cells. The addition of ascorbate and the inhibition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) strongly increased the phototoxicity of redaporfin towards A549 cells but not towards CT26 cells. The inhibition of catalase and the depletion of the glutathione pool also potentiate redaporfin–PDT towards A549 cells. The lower SOD activity of A549 cells might explain this difference. SOD activity levels may be explored to increase the selectivity and efficacy of PDT with photosensitizers that generate radical species.     

Optimizing preparation of NaCS–chitosan complex to form a potential material for the colon‐specific drug delivery system

A novel polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) formed by sodium cellulose sulfate (NaCS) and chitosan was prepared as a candidate material for colon‐specific drug delivery system. It was found in experiments that the properties of two raw materials and the process parameters, such as the degree of substitution (DS) and concentration of NaCS, the viscosity and concentration of chitosan, were very important factors on the properties of the final product—NaCS–chitosan‐PEC. The preparation of NaCS–chitosan complex was optimized by using response surface methodology to evaluate the effects of these parameters on the degradation properties of NaCS–chitosan in the simulated colonic fluid (SCF). The DS of NaCS was in the range from 0.2 to 0.6, the concentration of NaCS from 2 to 4% (w/v), the viscosity of chitosan from 50 to 550 mPa s, and the concentration of chitosan from 0.5 to 1.5% (w/v). A mathematical model was developed to describe the effect of these parameters and their interactions on the degradation of NaCS–chitosan complex. The optimum operation conditions for preparing NaCS–chitosan complex were determined to DS of NaCS of 0.2, the concentration of NaCS of 4.0% (w/v), chitosan viscosity of 327 mPa s, and the concentration of chitosan 0.5% (w/v), respectively. Validation of experiments with 5 confirmatory runs indicated the high degree of prognostic ability of response surface methodology. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Preparation and Characterization of Carboxymethyl Chitosan and β-Cyclodextrin Microspheres by Spray Drying

Three kinds of carboxymethyl chitosan/β-cyclodextrin microspheres loaded with theophylline were prepared by spray drying intended for pulmonary delivery. Mucociliotoxicity, permeation rate, and drug release characteristics of the product were investigated. The microspheres obtained by spray drying were found to be spherical with smooth or wrinkled surfaces. The mean particle size was between 3.39 and 6.06 µm. The microspheres demonstrated high product yield (43.7–50.2%), high drug loading (13.7–38.1%), and high encapsulation efficiency (86.9–92.8%). FT-IR indicated that there were interactions of theophylline with carboxymethyl chitosan matrix. Further studies on mucociliotoxicity and permeation confirmed that microspheres had better adaptability and high permeation rate. In vitro drug release from the microspheres was not related to the drug/polymer ratios.     

Biocomposite films based on poly(lactic acid) and chitosan nanoparticles: Elaboration,microstructural and thermal characterization

Structured and fully bio‐based polymer assemblies based on chitosan micro‐ and nano‐particles and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were developed using a continuous cast‐film extrusion process. The microstructure and thermal properties of the resulting biocomposite films are studied. Dispersion and size distribution of chitosan particles within the films were analyzed by optical microscopy and laser diffraction. Results show a homogeneous dispersion with no particles agglomeration, due to favorable physico–chemical interactions between chitosan particles and PLA and weak particle cohesion within the agglomerates. Differential scanning calorimetry experiments evidence a pronounced nucleating effect as well as an enhanced crystal growth rate, and a great increase in crystallinity of PLA in the presence of chitosan particles. Furthermore, in the case of chitosan nanoparticles, no reduction of PLA molecular weight occurred as revealed by gel permeation chromatography. The dispersion of nanosized chitosan particles in PLA thus appears to be an efficient way to control its crystallization behavior without degrading its molecular characteristics. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E350–E360, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The effect of the degree of deacetylation of chitosan on its dispersion of carbon nanotubes

The effect of the degree of deacetylation (DD) of chitosan biopolymer on the noncovalent surface modification of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is presented. MWCNTs were modified by chitosan having different degree of deacetylation (61%, 71%, 78%, 84%, 90% and 93%) and UV-Visible spectroscopy was used to evaluate their dispersion efficiency as a function of chitosan concentration and degree of deacetylation. Results showed that the dispersion of MWCNTs could be dramatically improved when using chitosan with the lowest degree of deacetylation (61%DD) possibly due to a higher surface coverage of the MWCNTs. Zeta potential measurements were used to confirm that the chitosan surface coverage on the MWCNTs was twice as high when modifying the nanotubes surface with the 61%DD than when using the 93%DD chitosan. These results suggest that the dispersion of MWCNTs with chitosan can be improved when using chitosan having a degree of deacetylation of 61%. These results are of interest in particular for the improved dispersion of MWCNTs in aqueous solutions such as in drug delivery applications.     

Synthesis,characterization, and drug‐release behavior of amphiphilic quaternary ammonium chitosan derivatives

A new type of amphiphilic quaternary ammonium chitosan derivative, 2‐N‐carboxymethyl‐6‐O‐diethylaminoethyl chitosan (DEAE–CMC), was synthesized through a two‐step Schiff base reaction process and applied to drug delivery. In the first step, benzaldehyde was used as a protective agent for the incorporation of diethylaminoethyl groups to form the intermediate (6‐O‐diethylaminoethyl chitosan). On the other hand, NaBH₄ was used as a reducing agent to reduce the Schiff base, which was generated by glyoxylic acid, for the further incorporation of carboxymethyl groups to produce DEAE–CMC. The structure, thermal properties, surface morphology, and diameter distribution of the resulting chitosan graft copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H‐NMR, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and laser particle size analysis. Benefiting from the amphiphilic structure, DEAE–CMC was able to be formed into microspheres in aqueous solution with an average diameter of 4.52 ± 1.21 μm. An in vitro evaluation of these microspheres demonstrated their efficient controlled release behavior of a drug. The accumulated release ratio of vitamin B₁₂ loaded DEAE–CMC microspheres were up to 93%, and the duration was up to 15 h. The grafted polymers of DEAE–CMC were found to be blood‐compatible, and no cytotoxic effect was shown in human SiHa cells in an MTT [3‐(4, 5‐dimethyl‐thiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] cytotoxicity assay. These results indicate that the DEAE–CMC microspheres could be used as safe, promising drug‐delivery systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39890.     

Effect of SWCNT dispersion on epoxy nanocomposite properties

In nanocomposites containing single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), the final properties strongly depend on the dispersion quality of these fillers. Various methods have been used to improve the dispersion of nanofillers; however, one of the most effective ways is to functionalize carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with covalent and noncovalent functional groups. In this work, the dispersion of SWCNTs in an epoxy system was studied by using surfactants, acid (COOH), and ester groups (PGE)‐modified CNTs. Rheological and scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that functionalization of CNTs helped in improving the dispersion of fillers in the epoxy matrix. Systems with surfactant modified SWCNTs (1 wt%) exhibited the highest storage modulus at low frequencies after 5‐min sonication. This behavior is associated to a stronger network of fillers as a result of a good dispersion. However, longer sonication times lowered the storage modulus, corresponding to a degradation of the tubes. The effect of the dispersion quality on mechanical properties was also studied using a three‐point bending set‐up. POLYM. COMPOS.,, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers