Applications of Carbon Nanotubes in Drug Delivery

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one-dimensional cylindrical nanomaterials (NMs) with a diameter in the nanometer range. In the twenty-first century, CNTs have been considered the most promising NMs because of their unique optical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Over the past few decades, the applications of CNTs have been explored in a range of disciplines, from bioengineering to materials science, energy, environment, construction, and nanoelectronics. In principle, CNTs can be considered a nanocontainer because the tips of CNTs are open. As a result, different types of biomolecules or drug molecules can be incorporated into the internal as well as outer space of CNTs. CNTs possess several intriguing features that make them attractive nanovehicles for controlled and targeted drug delivery. In this chapter, a brief introduction to CNTs is presented. Then, routine synthesis and purification methods of CNTs are covered. Following this, the importance of functionalization of CNTs enables the drug incorporation is discussed. Finally, a range of different applications of CNTs in drug delivery are reviewed.