Carbon nanomaterials for biomedical applications: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Carbon-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for a wide range of biomedical applications due to their unique physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the recent advancements and potential applications of carbon-based nanomaterials in the field of biomedicine. The review begins by discussing the different types of carbon-based nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, graphene, and fullerenes, highlighting their distinct structures and properties. It then explores the synthesis and functionalization strategies employed to tailor their physicochemical properties, facilitating their integration into various biomedical platforms. Furthermore, the review delves into the applications of carbon-based nanomaterials in biomedicine, focusing on three major areas: diagnostics, therapeutics, and tissue engineering. In diagnostics, carbon-based nanomaterials have demonstrated their utility as biosensors, imaging agents, and platforms for disease detection and monitoring. In therapeutics, they have been utilized for drug delivery, gene therapy, and photothermal therapy, among others. Additionally, carbon-based nanomaterials have shown great potential in tissue engineering, where they have been employed as scaffolds, biosensors, and substrates for cell growth and differentiation. The review also highlights the challenges and considerations associated with the use of carbon-based nanomaterials in biomedical applications, including toxicity concerns, biocompatibility, and regulatory considerations. Moreover, it discusses the current trends and future prospects in this rapidly evolving field, such as the development of multifunctional nanomaterials, combination therapies, and personalized medicine.