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Crucial Functionalizations of Carbon Nanotubes for Improved Drug Delivery: A Valuable Option?

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Abstract

Amidst the myriad of Drug Delivery Systems able to enhance delivery, absorption and intracellular uptake of a bioactive molecule while protecting it from deactivation, Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as a recent and promising option especially in cancer therapy. This is mainly due to their unique properties, which render them extremely versatile through the incorporation of several functional groups and targeting molecules at the same time, while their natural shape allows them to selectively penetrate across biological barriers in a non-invasive way. In this expert review we aim to evaluate whether this innovative material, once chemically-modified with suitable functionalizations, can be considered as a valuable system in comparison to the already existing nanodevices. This will include the estimation of the most recent advances in the field of nanotechnology, together with a cautious evaluation of potential risks and hazards associated with the extensive use of this fascinating, but still unknown, nanomaterial.

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Fig. 1
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Abbreviations

AmB:

amphotericin B

BD:

biodistribution

BNCT:

boron capture neutron therapy

BSA:

bovine serum albumin

CNTs:

carbon nanotubes

DDS:

drug delivery systems

DNA:

deoxyribonucleic acid

DOX:

doxorubicin

EDC:

N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide

EPO:

erythropoietin

EPR:

enhanced permeability and retention effect

FA:

folic acid

f-CNTs:

functionalized carbon nanotubes

FDA:

Food and Drug Administration (USA)

HIV:

human immunodeficiency virus

HMM:

altretamine or hexamethylmelamine

IR:

infrared spectroscopy

MPS:

mononuclear phagocyte system

MTX:

methotrexate

MWCNTs:

multi-walled carbon nanotubes

NHS:

N-hydroxysuccinimide

NIR:

near-infrared

NMR:

nuclear magnetic resonance

NPs:

nanoparticles

pCNTs:

pristine carbon nanotubes

PEG:

polyethylene glycol

PK:

pharmacokinetic

RBM:

radial breathing mode

RNA:

ribonucleic acid

SDS:

sodium dodecyl sulfate

STIs:

sexually transmitted infections

SWCNTs:

single-walled carbon nanotubes

TEM:

transmission electron microscopy

UV:

ultraviolet spectroscopy

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  1. Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Block S4, #03-02c, Singapore, 117543, Singapore

    Giorgia Pastorin

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Pastorin, G. Crucial Functionalizations of Carbon Nanotubes for Improved Drug Delivery: A Valuable Option?. Pharm Res 26, 746–769 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-008-9811-0

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