Carbon Nanomaterials Applied for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases: Preclinical Evidence

Abstract

AbstractIn the last decade, graphene‐based nanomaterials and carbon dots have joined the family of carbon materials mainly composed of graphite, diamond, fullerene, and carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanomaterials have been widely exploited in various fields from electronics and materials science to nanomedicine. The studies on their effect on the immune system have revealed that they possess intrinsic anti‐inflammatory properties, reducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and modulating immune cell maturation. In addition, their large specific surface area associated with high biocompatibility allows their use as carriers for the delivery of anti‐inflammatory agents. They can also contribute to the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases as biosensors for low‐limit detection and quantification of inflammation‐related biomarkers in body fluids and tissues allowing to monitor the concentration of drugs in urine and guide personalized drug usage. Finally, they are used as adsorbents for blood plasma purification in the clinical treatment of sepsis through efficient removal of certain cytokines. This review focuses on the intrinsic anti‐inflammatory properties of carbon nanomaterials. An overview is provided on their use as carriers of anti‐inflammatory drugs, as biosensors, and for blood purification in the context of inflammatory diseases. The potential of carbon nanomaterials for clinical translation is also critically discussed.