Silk fibroin biomaterial-functionalized carbon nanotubes for high water dispersibility and promising biomedical applications

Abstract

The dispersion of carbon nanotubes in solvents is crucial for their practical applications. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with water-soluble silk fibroin (SF) were prepared via chemical modification on the carbon nanotube surface in water solution. These fillers are low in toxicity and environmentally friendly. The SF-functionalized MWCNTs greatly improved dispersion in H2O and methanoic acid. Additionally, a methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay was performed to assess biocompatibility and the results indicated the favorable biocompatible properties of MWCNTs due to SF functionalization. Therefore, SF-functionalized MWCNTs have potential applications in waterborne polymer-based nanocomposites, especially in the biomedical field.