Biomedical applications of carbon nanotubes: a systematic review of data and clinical trials

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical nanostructures with unique electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties due to their nanoscale dimensions and carbon-based structure. One of the significant advantages of CNTs is their ability to be functionalized, meaning that different chemical groups can be attached to their surfaces. This functionalization allows for the manipulation of their properties, making them suitable for various applications in science, engineering, environment and even in biomedical field. In the field of medicine and specifically cancer treatment, carbon nanotubes have shown promise as novel drug delivery systems and for other therapeutic applications. Their large surface area and the possibility to modify their surfaces make them ideal for carrying therapeutic molecules, such as chemotherapy drugs, peptides, and genes, to specific target sites in the body. This targeted drug delivery can potentially enhance the efficiency and reduce the side effects of cancer treatments. This review provides a systematic analysis of scientific works published over the last ten years, covering the synthesis, properties and biomedical applications of CNTs, provided that several challenges, such as biocompatibility, potential toxicity, and regulatory considerations, still need to be overcome to ensure the potential biomedical uses of these delivery systems. We also discuss relevant clinical trials assessing CNT-based formulations, and risk of bias in randomized studies under Cochrane assessment.