Exploring the interaction between the boron nitride nanotube and biological molecules

We study the interaction between boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and a variety of biological molecules using density functional theory. Some amino acids and nitrogenous bases that are parts of nucleotides are inserted inside the cavity of the BNNT and the overall electronic structure calculated. We conclude that there is no bonding or chemical adsorption between the wide band-gap BNNT and the biological molecules considered. This suggests that BNNTs can be used as a smooth nanoscale channel for transporting biological molecules.