Carbon nanoparticle-induced cell death

Abstract

Carbon nanoparticles are well-characterized as nanotubes, nanodiamonds, graphene and carbon dots. Their unique properties present promising applications in nanomedicine, including drug delivery systems. However, the cell-damaging effect of carbon-based nanoparticles remains elusive. Studies on carbon-caused cell deaths are contradictory, which makes it challenging to claim their precise nature, mechanisms, and harmful dosage. Moreover, previous findings showed that immune cells are the most susceptible cells to carbon nanoparticle treatment, where cell viability differs depending on cell culture and treatment specificities. Considering the shortage of topic-specific summarized data and rising interest in carbon nanomaterials, the present review article focuses on the cytotoxicity of carbon, in terms of cell viability, and types of cell deaths induced by carbon nanoparticles.