Functionalized carbon nanotubes for potential medicinal applications

Yi Zhang, Yuhong Bai, Bing Yan

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

348 Scopus citations

Abstract

Functionalized carbon nanotubes display unique properties that enable a variety of medicinal applications, including the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, infectious diseases and central nervous system disorders, and applications in tissue engineering. These potential applications are particularly encouraged by their ability to penetrate biological membranes and relatively low toxicity. High aspect ratio, unique optical property and the likeness as small molecule make carbon nanotubes an unusual allotrope of element carbon. After functionalization, carbon nanotubes display potentials for a variety of medicinal applications, including the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, infectious diseases and central nervous system disorders, and applications in tissue engineering. These potential applications are particularly encouraged by their ability to penetrate biological membranes and relatively low toxicity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)428-435
Number of pages8
JournalDrug Discovery Today
Volume15
Issue number11-12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2010
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Discovery

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