Organ Specific Toxicity of Single and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: A Review

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes are one of the most widely investigated carbon structures because of variety of physicochemical features offered by them. Their dimensions, surface chemistry and functionalization opportunities make them exceptional carrier for targeted drug delivery gene therapy, diagnosis and cell imaging. Both single and multi-walled CNTs have been functionalized for therapeutic applications. However, these structures have been associated with potential in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic effects. Such toxicities have been described to involve both cellular and subcellular mechanisms. Major organs that have shown significant CNTs related toxic effects include lungs, brain, heart, kidney, liver and skin. This review focuses on the potential toxicological effects of single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes and functionalization on these organs and associated mechanisms of toxicity