Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are emerging as colon targeted drug delivery system

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical nanostructures formed by sp2 hybridized carbon atoms and are a promising class of nanomaterials for biomedical applications, particularly in cancer therapy. Due to their unique structural, mechanical, and physicochemical properties such as nanoscale dimensions, very high surface area, and high thermal and electrical conductivity, CNTs are ideal for targeted drug delivery and diagnostic imaging. CNTs have been classified into single-walled, double-walled, and multi-walled based on their structural organization. These nanoscale materials have an amazing ability to penetrate the cell membrane, encapsulate or carry drugs, and deliver drugs specifically to cancerous sites, to decrease systemic toxicity and maximize therapeutic effects. In addition to drug delivery, CNTs also have prospects for contrast agents used in diagnostic medical imaging modalities such as photoacoustic imaging, fluorescence imaging, and Raman spectroscopy that can enable not only early tumor detection but also real-time tumor tracking and monitoring. The functionalization of CNTs and their ability to serve as drug delivery vehicles can improve drug loading capacity, and reduce off-target effects, and provide more effectiveness for tumor-targeted therapy according to the literature. The development of CNT-based nanomedicine offers a new direction for cancer diagnosis and treatment as the incidence of cancer rises across the world.