Carbon nanotubes for the delivery of therapeutic molecules

Abstract

Functionalised carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs) are emerging as new tools in the field of nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine. This is because they can be easily manipulated and modified by encapsulation with biopolymers or by covalent linking of solubilising groups to the external walls and tips. The possibility of incorporating f-CNTs into biological systems has opened the way to the exploration of their potential applications in biology and medicinal chemistry. Within the different fields of applications (i.e., biosensors, composite materials, molecular electronics), one use of CNTs is as new carrier systems for the delivery of therapeutic molecules. Research discussed in this review is focused on recent advances in the development of CNT technology for the delivery of drugs, antigens and genes.