Carbon Nanotubes as Delivery System in Combating Diseases

Currently many chronic diseases e. g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, cancer and metastases are treated in large part non-specifically for killing diseased cells to some extent, creating adverse systemic toxicity due to lack of proper drug selection and use. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), especially single-walled, owing to their unique physicochemical properties such as high drug loading, cellular uptake, thermal ablation, and enhanced permeability and retention effect to differentiate normal cells from affected ones, have attracted remarkable interest in their application as nano-biotechnological delivery vehicle. In addition, their tubular form associated with axial symmetry, nanometer-sized diameters, ease of functionalizations and high aspect ratio, makes them capable for specific targeting to cells. Moreover, their appropriate surface modifications with the usages of ligands, make them unique to protect their toxic effect in the system. This review demonstrates their biomedical applications as delivery carrier against diseases.