Preparation, loading, and cytotoxicity analysis of polymer nanotubes from an ethylene glycol dimethacrylate homopolymer in comparison to multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Despite concerns over toxicity, carbon nanotubes have been extensively investigated for potential applications in nanomedicine because of their small size, unique properties, and ability to carry cargo such as small molecules and nucleic acids. Herein, we show that polymer nanotubes can be synthesized quickly and easily from a homopolymer of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). The nanotubes formed via photo-initiated polymerization of the highly functional prepolymer, inside an anodized aluminium oxide template, have a regular structure and large internal pore and can be loaded with a fluorescent dye within minutes representing a simple alternative to multi-walled carbon nanotubes for biomedical applications.