The nano-bio interaction and biomedical applications of carbon nanomaterials

Abstract

In the past decades, nanotechnology has stimulated a huge amount of interest and is now used in numerous fields. Carbon nanomaterials, like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes, have attracted great attention for their widespread applications in diverse fields because of their excellent mechanical, optical, and thermal properties. With substantial production and use, potential human exposure to carbon nanomaterials is expected during the life cycle. To evaluate their biosafety, it is indispensable as a first step to quantify carbon nanomaterials in living organisms. In addition, it is essential to evaluate their interaction with biosystems, as the nano-bio interaction determines the nature and extent of toxic effects. This article reviews current research on techniques for quantifying carbon nanomaterials; dynamic processes including cellular uptake and exocytosis and the corresponding mechanisms; and interactions between cellular components and carbon nanomaterials. Recent biomedical applications of carbon nanomaterials are also described. To summarize, this review concludes with a comprehensive overview that summarizes the most important discoveries and progresses regarding three types of carbon nanomaterials and their derivatives.