Polysulfone-based modified organoclay nanocomposites as a promising breast anticancer agent

Abstract The current work is focused on the preparation and characterization of a new group of polysulfone-based organoclay nanocomposite as a promising breast anticancer agent. Polysulfone/organoclay nanocomposites which had abbreviations of PSFH1–3 and PSFB1–3 were prepared using a solution casting technique at room temperature using chloroform as a solvent. PSFH1–3 and PSFB1–3 referred to polysulfone-based halloysite and bentonite in their unmodified and modified forms. Chemical modification of both types was carried out using tetraethylammonium chloride and hexadecyltributylphosphonium bromide, respectively. The final products were produced with different compositions based on the variable loading of modified organoclay. The impacts of the modified fillers on the morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. A pure polysulfone (PSF) membrane was prepared as a reference. The prepared PSF/organoclay nanocomposite membranes (PSFH1–3, PSFB1–3) were characterized with the aid of FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, X-ray diffraction, and TGA techniques. The results demonstrated that the impact of the organoclay on the main features of the polysulfone was remarkable and that the incorporation of organic cations alters the thermal stability of polysulfone. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the formation of intercalated clay mineral layers in the PSF matrix but PSFH3 and PSFB2 have an exfoliated structure. A good dispersion of the organoclay mineral particles was detected by SEM images. The chemical structure of the surfactant affected the thermal behavior of organoclays. Moreover, in the tensile tests, the addition of clay caused a decrease in both the tensile strain at the break and the modulus of elasticity in tension for the nanocomposite membranes. The biological screening showed positive effects for PSFB1 and PSFB2, but PSFH3 and PSFB3 have more promising anticancer effects.