Background:
Funcionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (ox-MWCNTs) were used for
the preparation of therapeutic nanoparticles for delivery of some bioactive compounds. Consequently,
this work deals with the preparation of grafted MWCNTs with n-vinyl caprolactam in the presence of
pomegranate peel extract (P. granatum), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and/or silver nanoparticeles and their
toxic effects on male mice using in vivo biological examination (liver and kidney dysfunction biomarkers)
and the histopathological analysis.
Methods:
P. granatum extract was immobilized onto functionalized MWCNTs using simple adsorption
technique. Moreover, The prepared materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM). In vivo examination using liver and kidney dysfunction
biomarkers was investigated. In addition, the histopathological study was carried out.
Results:
The ox-MWCNTs induced significant elevation in the liver enzymes including AST, ALT and
ALP relative to the control group. While, the treatment with P. granatum extract only did not induce
any change in the liver and kidney biomarkers. In other words, P. granatum extract loaded onto functionalized
MWCNTs showed low effects on liver enzymes and kidney function biomarkers in the
treated mice in comparison with ox-MWCNTs and extract separately. Moreover, histopathological
analysis revealed that the P. granatum extract functionalized MWCNTs exhibited normal renal tissue
with no histopathological alteration.
Conclusion:
The grafted MWCNTs with n-vinyl caprolactam in the presence of pomegranate peel extract
(P. granatum), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and/or silver nanoparticeles were successfully prepared.
SEM-micrographs showed complete coating of MWCNTs fiber with the extract. The prepared materials
resulted in no toxic effects and the histopathological findings were confirmed by inflammation of the
liver and kidney tissues.