Preparation of poly(MPAEMA)/halloysite nanocomposites and investigation of antiproliferative activity

Abstract

In this present work, the synthesis, characterization, and thermal properties of poly(2-(4-methoxyphenylamino)-2-oxoethyl methacrylate) (MPAEMA) polymer/clay-based nanocomposites were investigated by in-situ polymerization. At the characterizations of nanomaterials FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TGA techniques were used. It was determined from XRD and SEM measurements that the morphology of nanocomposites was exfoliated when the clay content in the polymer matrix was kept at 3% and 5%. From thermal analysis, a positive correlation was observed between the clay ratio and thermal stability of nanomaterials. Also, the cytotoxic effect of halloysite and its nanocomposites was investigated using XTT assay on HeLa cells. According to the results, nanocomposites showed a non-cytotoxic response and thus they may use safety in many research areas such as medicine, agriculture, cosmetics. © 2021, Sociedad Química de México.