Carbohydrate-conjugated multiwalled carbon nanotubes: development and characterization

Abstract This work presents a novel cascade of chemical functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) through chemical modification by a carbohydrate, d -galactose. Galactose-conjugated or galactosylated MWCNTs were synthesized involving the sequential steps of carboxylation, acylation, amine modification, and finally, galactose conjugation. The modification of MWCNTs with galactose was investigated by elemental analysis, x-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements, at every sequential step of functionalization. Size and surface characteristics of chemically modified MWCNTs were monitored by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. That galactosylation improved the dispersibility of MWCNTs in aqueous solvents was confirmed by investigation of their dispersion characteristics at different pH values. Thus, the galactosylated MWCNTs as developed could be used for delivery of different bioactive(s) as well as active ligand (galactose)–based targeting to hepatic tissue. From the Clinical Editor This work presents a novel cascade of functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) through chemical modification by a carbohydrate. Galactosylation improves the dispersibility of MWCNTs in aqueous solvents. The galactosylated MWCNTs could be used for delivery of different bioactive(s) as well as active ligand-based targeting to hepatic tissue.