Multi-walled carbon nanotubes: biodegradation by gastric agents in vitro and effect on murine intestinal system. Issue 1 (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Masyutin, A; Erokhina, M; Sychevskaya, K; Gusev, A; Vasyukova, I; Smirnova, E; Onishchenko, G
• Is Part Of: IOP conference series. Volume 98:Issue 1(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/98/1/012008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-8981

Abstract

Abstract: One of the main questions limiting application of fibrous carbon nanomaterials (CNM) in medicine and food industry concerns presumptive degradation of CNM in living organisms. In this study, we have investigated biodegradation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by gastric agents in vitro and influence of ingested MWCNTs on murine intestine. Using scanning, conventional transmission and analytical electron microscopy, we demonstrated that industrial MWCNTs treated in vitro by 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (pH=1) and gastric juice (pH=2-3) isolated from murine stomach, are subjected to incomplete degradation. After 30 days of oral administration to experimental mice, we did find MWCNTs in the cells of small intestine, and it may indicate that agglomerates of MWCNTs do not penetrate into colon epithelia and do not accumulate in enterocytes. However, we observed local areas of necrotic damages of intestinal villi. It seems likely, therefore, that MWCNTs end up leaving gastrointestinal tract by excretion with the feces. Our results suggest that MWCNTs do not undergo complete degradation in gastrointestinal tract of mice, and passing through non-degraded particles may negatively affect intestinal system.