Carbon nanotubes: a potential concept for drug delivery applications

Recent Pat Drug Deliv Formul. 2014 Apr;8(1):12-26. doi: 10.2174/1872211308666140124095745.

Abstract

The unique properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) make them a highly interesting and demandable nanocarrier in the field of nanoscience. CNTs facilitate efficient delivery of therapeutics like drugs, proteins, genes, nucleic acids, vitamins and lot more. Even though highly beneficial, the biocompatibility of CNTs is a major issue in their questioning their potential application in targeting drug delivery. Studies confirmed subdued toxicity of CNTs following slight modifications like functionalization, controlled dimensions, purification etc. A well-established mechanism for cellular internalization is an insistent need to attain a more efficient and targeted delivery. Recent patents have been thoroughly discussed in the text below.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / adverse effects
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacokinetics*
  • Biocompatible Materials / therapeutic use
  • Biological Transport
  • Drug Delivery Systems / adverse effects
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Humans
  • Nanotubes, Carbon* / adverse effects
  • Nanotubes, Carbon* / chemistry
  • Patents as Topic

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Nanotubes, Carbon