Editorial Feature

Carbon Nanotubes in Biomedical Applications

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are tube-like structures made from carbon atoms with diameters in nanometers. They are one of the most studied forms of carbon because they possess unique physicochemical properties that make them suitable for many biomedical applications.  

Carbon Nanotubes in Biomedical Applications

Image Credit: Rattiya Thongdumhyu/Shutterstock.com

Their unique structure gives rise to an extraordinary combination of optical, mechanical, and electrical properties that are useful in drug and gene delivery systems, biomedical imaging, biosensors, tissue engineering, and antimicrobials.

Functionalization enables the extension of the functions of CNTs, but it has also been associated with toxicity. Here the properties of CNTs and their applications in the delivery of drugs and gene therapies, the development of biosensors, and imaging tools useful in diagnostics as well as tissue engineering are discussed. The toxicity of CNTs, and outlook on the place of CNTs in biomedicine are also provided.

Biomedical Applications

Carbon Nanotubes in the Delivery of Drugs and Genes

Many drug delivery systems based on CNTs have been developed to treat a wide range of diseases. In this area, CNT-based anticancer drugs have received a lot of attention due to the possibility of selective targeting and controlling the release of drugs. Selective targeting is possible because nanotubes can be made to target specific tumor receptors through functionalization, while the controlled release of drugs is desirable in tumor environments.

CNTs also have the advantage that they can form noncovalent bonds with molecules like aromatic compounds that cannot form covalent bonds. Many CNT-based drugs have been successfully designed using this model.

CNT use has also expanded to loading genetic material such as siRNAs and DNA applicable in gene therapy through gene silencing or gene delivery.

The transfection capabilities of CNTs are also notable, which allow them to enter cells irrespective of the kind of functionalization on their surfaces.

Laser stimulation technology can also leverage the photothermal properties of CNTs for the treatment of cancer.

Carbon Nanotubes in Diagnostics

Carbon Nanotubes in Biomedical Imaging

Biomedical imaging is a relatively new technology that can provide high-resolution imaging of the behavior of cells, tissues, organs, or the entire body.

CNTs can be altered to be subjected to various ways of biomedical imaging to study and improve their functions and responses to their environment due to their unique physical features. Also, because of CNTs’ high absorbance and metallic nanoparticles contaminants, photoacoustic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging can be used on CNTs.

CNT modification and the addition of other elements to their structure, like gold nanoparticles, can open new avenues for studying their behavior.

Carbon Nanotubes in Biosensors

Biosensors integrate biological recognition with chemical/physical transmission to detect biomolecules and are one of the important uses of CNTs. Their use as sensing elements in biosensors is due to their high surface area, superior electrical, mechanical, and electrochemical capabilities, and high exposure sensitivity to many biomolecules.

They enable the detection of biological structures at very low concentrations and hence are essential for ultrasensitive biosensing applications. Compared to more currently accessible sensing materials like silicon, CNT-based biosensors have unique benefits: a longer lifespan, faster response times, better sensitivity, and minimal surface fouling.

CNTs can also be built as DNA biosensors that are useful for systems-on-chip applications.

Carbon Nanotubes in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are emerging medical methods to create artificial tissues for use in replacement grafts and tissue models for in vitro disease investigations and drug development. Here, CNTs can play a significant role by ensuring adequate mechanical, electrical, and biological properties of biomaterials, which is often quite challenging.

CNTs have been employed in tissue engineering for various purposes, including enhancing the mechanical and electrical properties of scaffolds, detecting the cell, microenvironments, cell tracking, and administration of appropriate chemical and biological agents.

Carbon Nanotubes-based Hydrogels

Hydrogels are 3D polymeric cross-linked edifices widely used in biomedical applications because of their high biocompatibility and low inflammatory responses but have limited intrinsic properties, which can be enhanced when coupled with CNT nanoparticles. These novel structures can bring innovative approaches to transdermal delivery patches by improving drug stability as well as giving more control over the rate of release.

Many biosensors that focus on glucose detection are also developed with CNT-based hydrogels.

Carbon Nanotubes as Antimicrobials

CNTs that have been functionalized can be used in vaccinations. CNTs have been demonstrated to activate innate immune system cells such as monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. CNTs can activate many genes involved in monocyte response to infection or immunization.

Toxicity of Carbon Nanotubes

Toxicity has been reported in some CNT-based experiments. Some of the nanoparticles utilized in CNT functionalization may contribute to CNT toxicity, making the platform inappropriate for cellular life in some situations.

The amount and kind of metal impurities, the length and type of carbon nanotubes, the presence of surface functionalization and its type, and the presence of dispersant or surfactant in dispersion solution are all factors that contribute to CNT cytotoxicity. The mechanisms of toxicity are oxidative stress, cell membrane damage, or genotoxicity. Toxicity can be mitigated by controlling the amounts of reagents and modifications on CNTs.

Conclusions and Outlook

CNTs are bringing exciting new applications in nanobiotechnology. Their unique properties position them as suitable materials that address important challenges in biomedicine when used alone and in combination with other materials such as hydrogels. However, there are challenges of toxicity associated with functionalization. However, some can be overcome by carefully optimizing concentrations.

The characterization of CNTs in biological systems and a complete understanding of the cellular uptake, internalization, and changes in gene expression associated with the CNT toxicity have remained elusive. Understanding these mechanisms will be required for the future development of better CNTs for biomedical applications.

Proper documentation of their biological and environmental safety profiles will be required to encourage full adoption and large-scale use.

Continue reading: Nanomaterial-Based Virus Sensors

References and Further Reading

Alshehri, R., Ilyas, A.M., Hasan, A., Arnaout, A., Ahmed, F., Memic, A. (2016). Carbon Nanotubes in Biomedical Applications: Factors, Mechanisms, and Remedies of Toxicity. Journal of Medical Chemistry, 59, pp8149–8167. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01770

Lamberti, M., Pedata, P., Sannolo, N., Porto, S., De Rosa, A., Caraglia, M. (2015). Carbon nanotubes: Properties, biomedical applications, advantages and risks in patients and occupationally-exposed workers. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 28, pp.4–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/0394632015572559

Pondman, K.M., Sobik, M., Nayak, A., Tsolaki, A.G., Jäkel, A., Flahaut, E., Hampel, S., ten Haken, B., Sim, R.B., Kishore, U. (2014). Complement activation by carbon nanotubes and its influence on the phagocytosis and cytokine response by macrophages. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine, 10, pp.1287–1299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nano.2014.02.010

Simon, J., Flahaut, E., Golzio, M. (2019). Overview of Carbon Nanotubes for Biomedical Applications. Materials (Basel) 12, pp.624. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12040624

Zhou, Y., Fang, Y., Ramasamy, R.P. (2019). Noncovalent Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes for Electrochemical Biosensor Development. Sensors 19, pp.392. https://doi.org/10.3390/s19020392

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.

Blaise Manga Enuh

Written by

Blaise Manga Enuh

Blaise Manga Enuh has primary interests in biotechnology and bio-safety, science communication, and bioinformatics. Being a part of a multidisciplinary team, he has been able to collaborate with people of different cultures, identify important project needs, and work with the team to provide solutions towards the accomplishment of desired targets. Over the years he has been able to develop skills that are transferrable to different positions which have helped his accomplish his work.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Enuh, Blaise Manga. (2022, May 26). Carbon Nanotubes in Biomedical Applications. AZoNano. Retrieved on October 08, 2024 from https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6142.

  • MLA

    Enuh, Blaise Manga. "Carbon Nanotubes in Biomedical Applications". AZoNano. 08 October 2024. <https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6142>.

  • Chicago

    Enuh, Blaise Manga. "Carbon Nanotubes in Biomedical Applications". AZoNano. https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6142. (accessed October 08, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Enuh, Blaise Manga. 2022. Carbon Nanotubes in Biomedical Applications. AZoNano, viewed 08 October 2024, https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6142.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this article?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.