ROS EvaLuation for Series of CNTs Using the ESR Method and The Effects of CNT Morphology

摘要

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are becoming important materials in industry. It is a concern that CNTs may induce carcinogenic responses through pulmonary exposure. It has been recently reported that CNTs scavenge radical oxygen species (ROS) depending on their morphology. ROS production has been utilized for toxicological evaluations. The present work specifically investigates ROS scavenging capabilities using the series of CNTs and their derivatives with surface modifications. Those ROS scavenging properties were measured by ESR with 5,5-Dimethyl-l-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO). Highly crystallized, mechanically chopped, and mechanically de-bulked CNTs were evaluated. Furthermore, their surface modification by nitric acid and ozone was compared with untreated CNTs.