Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have single- or multi-cylindrical graphene structures that possess diameters of a few nanometers, while the length can be up to a few micrometers. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) possess a high tensile strength and ultra-light weight, and have excellent chemical and thermal stability. They also possess semiconducting and metallic conductive properties. These anomalous features have led to many proposed applications in the biomedical field, including biosensors, drug and vaccine delivery. However, CNTs could have unusual toxicological properties, in that they share intermediate morphological characteristics of both fibers and nanoparticles. This review presents the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of CNTs. Finally, we report the activation of the human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 in vitro and the response in subcutaneous tissue in vivo to MWCNTs of different lengths.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
