PAMAM-Conjugated Alumina Nanotubes as Novel Noncytotoxic Nanocarriers with Enhanced Drug Loading and Releasing Performances

Alumina nanotubes are surface‐conjugated with polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers of the third generation, aimed at obtaining novel nanomaterials for drug delivery applications. The structure and surface properties of PAMAM‐conjugated alumina nanotubes (PAMAM‐Al2O3NT) are characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, solid state 13C‐RMN, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which supported for a 3.0 wt% of PAMAM grafting in the prepared product. The drug loading and releasing properties of PAMAM‐Al2O3NT are examined using three model therapeutic compounds, namely, curcumin, methotrexate, and silibinin, showing that PAMAM conjugation enhances the drug loading capacity and drug‐adsorbent affinity compared to pristine Al2O3NT systems. Additionally, Alamar Blue cell viability assays reveal that PAMAM‐Al2O3NT are not cytotoxic materials over a wide concentration range. These results suggest that PAMAM–Al2O3NT are potential nanostructured vehicles for drug delivery applications. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM)‐conjugated alumina nanotubes are examined as novel potential nanomaterials for drug delivery, using three model therapeutic compounds. The PAMAM‐conjugated material shows enhanced drug loading and releasing performances compared to pristine nanotubes.