Carbon Nanotube (CNTs): Structure, Synthesis, Purification, Functionalisation, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biodegradation and Application as Nanomedicine and Biosensor

It is well acknowledged that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a potential new class of nanomaterials for technological advancement. The recent discovery of diverse kinds of carbon nanostructures has sparked interest in the potential applications of these materials in a variety of disciplines. Numerous distinct carbon nanotube (CNT) production methods have been developed, and their characterisation, separation, and manipulation of individual CNTs are now possible. Structure, surface area, surface charge, size distribution, surface chemistry, aggregation state, and purity of the samples all have a significant impact on the reactivity of carbon nanotubes, as does the purity of the samples. Currently, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are being successfully used in the medicinal, pharmaceutical, and biomedical fields because of their large surface area, which makes them capable of adsorbing or conjugating with a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic substances (drugs, genes, vaccines, antibodies, biosensors, etc.). They were the first to demonstrate that they are a great vehicle for drug delivery straight into cells without the need for metabolic processing by the body. This paper discusses the different types, structures, and properties of CNTs, as well as CNT synthesis and purification methods, how to functionalize CNTs, and their application in medicinal, pharmaceutical, and biomedical fields, toxicological properties and their assessment, as well as in-vivo pharmacology and biodegradation pathways.

Download Full-text

Long-Term In Vivo Biocompatibility of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

10.1101/869750 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Thomas V. Galassi ◽

Merav Antman-Passig ◽

Zvi Yaari ◽

Jose Jessurun ◽

Robert E. Schwartz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Carbon Nanotube ◽

Near Infrared ◽

Complete Blood Count ◽

Aggregation State ◽

Single Walled Carbon ◽

Wide Range ◽

Short And Long Term

AbstractOver the past two decades, measurements of carbon nanotube toxicity and biodistribution have yielded a wide range of results. Properties such as nanotube type (single-walled vs. multi-walled), purity, length, aggregation state, and functionalization, as well as route of administration, greatly affect both the biocompatibility and biodistribution of carbon nanotubes. These differences suggest that generalizable conclusions may be elusive and that studies must be material- and application-specific. Here, we assess the short- and long-term biodistribution and biocompatibility of a single-chirality DNA-encapsulated single-walled carbon nanotube complex upon intravenous administration that was previously shown to function as an in-vivo reporter of endolysosomal lipid accumulation. Regarding biodistribution and fate, we found bulk specificity to the liver and >90% signal attenuation by 14 days in mice. Using near-infrared hyperspectral microscopy to measure single nanotubes, we found low-level, long-term persistence in organs such as the heart, liver, lung, kidney, and spleen. Measurements of histology, animal weight, complete blood count, and biomarkers of organ function all suggest short- and long-term biocompatibility. This work suggests that carbon nanotubes can be used as preclinical research tools in-vivo without affecting acute or long-term health.

Download Full-text

Challenges on the effect of cell phone radiation on mammalian embryos and fetuses: a review of the literature

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s0967199421000691 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Maryam Mahaldashtian ◽

Mohammad Ali Khalili ◽

Fatemeh Anbari ◽

Mohammad Seify ◽

Manuel Belli

Keyword(s):

Embryo Development ◽

Animal Studies ◽

Cell Phones ◽

Cellular Phone ◽

The Body ◽

Human Embryos ◽

Success Rates ◽

Wide Range

Summary Cell phones operate with a wide range of frequency bands and emit radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR). Concern on the possible health hazards of RF-EMR has been growing in many countries because these RF-EMR pulses may be absorbed into the body cells, directly affecting them. There are some in vitro and in vivo animal studies related to the consequences of RF-EMR exposure from cell phones on embryo development and offspring. In addition, some studies have revealed that RF-EMR from cellular phone may lead to decrease in the rates of fertilization and embryo development, as well as the risk of the developmental anomalies, other studies have reported that it does not interfere with in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection success rates, or the chromosomal aberration rate. Of course, it is unethical to study the effect of waves generated from cell phones on the forming human embryos. Conversely, other mammals have many similarities to humans in terms of anatomy, physiology and genetics. Therefore, in this review we focused on the existing literature evaluating the potential effects of RF-EMR on mammalian embryonic and fetal development.

Download Full-text

ANP kinetics in normal men: in vivo measurement by a tracer method and correlation with sodium intake

AJP Renal Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajprenal.1993.264.3.f480 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 264 (3) ◽

pp. F480-F489 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

G. Iervasi ◽

A. Clerico ◽

S. Berti ◽

A. Pilo ◽

F. Vitek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Performance ◽

Sodium Intake ◽

Mean Transit Time ◽

Normal Subjects ◽

The Body ◽

Metabolic Clearance ◽

Healthy Human ◽

Large Space ◽

Wide Range

125I-labeled atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was bolus injected into seven healthy human male subjects on an unrestricted diet (sodium intake ranging from 80 to 300 mmol/day). A high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure was used to purify the labeled hormone and the principal labeled metabolites in venous plasma samples collected up to 50 min after injection. The main ANP kinetic parameters were derived from the disappearance curves of the 125I-ANP, which were satisfactorily fitted by a biexponential function in all subjects. Newly produced ANP initially distributes in a large space (plasma-equivalent volume is 12.1 +/- 3.6 l/m2 body surface); the hormone rapidly leaves this sampling space through both degradation and distribution in peripheral spaces, as indicated by the single-pass mean transit time through the sampling space (3.9 +/- 1.2 min). The mean residence time in the body (22.7 +/- 23.1 min) and the plasma-equivalent total distribution volume (30.9 +/- 12.0 l/m2) indicate that ANP is also widely distributed outside the initial space. Metabolic clearance rate (MCR) values were distributed across a wide range (from 740 to 2,581 ml.min-1 x m-2) and were shown to correlate strongly with the daily urinary excretion of sodium. These results indicate that: 1) newly produced ANP is rapidly distributed and degraded, 2) the body pool of the hormone can be considered as a combination of two exchanging spaces, 3) circulating ANP is < or = 1/15 of the body pool, and 4) MCR of ANP is closely related to sodium intake, at least in normal subjects on a free sodium intake diet.

Download Full-text

Electro-osmotic flow enhancement in carbon nanotube membranes

Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences ◽

10.1098/rsta.2015.0268 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 374 (2060) ◽

pp. 20150268 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Davide Mattia ◽

Hannah Leese ◽

Francesco Calabrò

Keyword(s):

Experimental Data ◽

Carbon Nanotube ◽

Osmotic Flow ◽

Nanotube Membranes ◽

Wide Range ◽

Simplifying Assumptions ◽

Carbon Nanotube Membranes ◽

Simplified Solution ◽

Electro Osmotic Flow

In this work, experimental evidence of the presence of electro-osmotic flow (EOF) in carbon nanotube membranes with diameters close to or in the region of electrical double layer overlap is presented for two different electrolytes for the first time. No EOF in this region should be present according to the simplified theoretical framework commonly used for EOF in micrometre-sized channels. The simplifying assumptions concern primarily the electrolyte charge density structure, based on the Poisson–Boltzmann (P-B) equation. Here, a numerical analysis of the solutions for the simplified case and for the nonlinear and the linearized P-B equations is compared with experimental data. Results show that the simplified solution produces a significant deviation from experimental data, whereas the linearized solution of the P-B equation can be adopted with little error compared with the full P-B case. This work opens the way to using electro-osmotic pumping in a wide range of applications, from membrane-based ultrafiltration and nanofiltration (as a more efficient alternative to mechanical pumping at the nanoscale) to further miniaturization of lab-on-a-chip devices at the nanoscale for in vivo implantation.

Download Full-text

Progress on nanoparticle-based carbon nanotube complex: fabrication and potential application

Reviews in Inorganic Chemistry ◽

10.1515/revic-2016-0004 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 36 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Amin Termeh Yousefi ◽

Minoru Fukumori ◽

Pandey Reetu Raj ◽

Polin Liu ◽

Lingxiang Fu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Carbon Nanotube ◽

Surface Area ◽

Nanostructured Materials ◽

Potential Application ◽

Active Surface ◽

Semiconductor Nanoparticles ◽

Active Surface Area ◽

Recent Developments ◽

Magnetic Applications

AbstractCarbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered as one of the most intensively explored nanostructured materials and have been widely used as a platform material for metal and semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) due to their large and chemically active surface area. Several approaches have been described in the literature to immobilize NPs on the surface of CNTs. This report reviews the recent developments in this area by exploring the various techniques where nanotubes can be functionalized with NPs to improve the optical, mechanical, thermal, medical, electrical, and magnetic applications of CNTs.

Download Full-text

Effect of nanomaterials in platinum-decorated carbon nanotube paste-based electrodes for amperometric glucose detection

Journal of Materials Research ◽

10.1557/jmr.2008.0177 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 23 (5) ◽

pp. 1457-1465 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jining Xie ◽

Shouyan Wang ◽

L. Aryasomayajula ◽

V.K. Varadan

Keyword(s):

Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Carbon Nanotube ◽

Electrochemical Impedance ◽

Glucose Sensing ◽

Electrochemical Characteristics ◽

Current Response ◽

X Ray Diffraction ◽

Multiwalled Carbon ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Wide Range

The effect of nanomaterials in platinum-decorated, multiwalled, carbon nanotube-based electrodes for amperometric glucose sensing was investigated by a comparative study with other carbon material-based electrodes such as graphite, glassy carbon, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction were used to investigate their morphologies and crystallinities. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was conducted to compare the electrochemical characteristics of these electrodes. The glucose-sensing results from the chronoamperometric measurements indicated that carbon nanotubes improve the linearity of the current response to glucose concentrations over a wide range, and that platinum decoration of the carbon nanotubes produces improved electrochemical performance with a higher sensitivity.

Download Full-text

Growth, Properties, and Applications of Branched Carbon Nanostructures

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano11102728 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 2728

Author(s):

Sharali Malik ◽

Silvia Marchesan

Keyword(s):

Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Tissue Regeneration ◽

Carbon Nanostructures ◽

Structural Features ◽

Theoretical Studies ◽

Concise Review ◽

Wide Range ◽

Growth Properties ◽

Experimental And Theoretical Studies ◽

Advanced Applications

Nanomaterials featuring branched carbon nanotubes (b-CNTs), nanofibers (b-CNFs), or other types of carbon nanostructures (CNSs) are of great interest due to their outstanding mechanical and electronic properties. They are promising components of nanodevices for a wide variety of advanced applications spanning from batteries and fuel cells to conductive-tissue regeneration in medicine. In this concise review, we describe the methods to produce branched CNSs, with particular emphasis on the most widely used b-CNTs, the experimental and theoretical studies on their properties, and the wide range of demonstrated and proposed applications, highlighting the branching structural features that ultimately allow for enhanced performance relative to traditional, unbranched CNSs.

Download Full-text

Glutamine: Metabolism and Immune Function, Supplementation and Clinical Translation

10.20944/preprints201809.0459.v1 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Vinicius Cruzat ◽

Marcelo Macedo Rogero ◽

Kevin Noel Keane ◽

Rui Curi ◽

Philip Newsholme

Keyword(s):

Amino Acid ◽

The Body ◽

Glutamine Metabolism ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Glutamine Supplementation ◽

Bacterial Killing ◽

Nutrition Supplementation ◽

Wide Range

Glutamine is the most abundant and versatile amino acid in the body. In health and disease, the rate of glutamine consumption by immune cells is similar or greater than glucose. For instance, in vitro and in vivo studies have determined that glutamine is an essential nutrient for lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production, macrophage phagocytic plus secretory activities and neutrophil bacterial killing. Glutamine release to the circulation and availability is mainly controlled by key metabolic organs, such as the gut, liver and skeletal muscles. During catabolic/hypercatabolic situations glutamine can become essential for metabolic function, but its availability may be compromised due to impairment of homeostasis in the inter-tissue metabolism of amino acids. For this reason, glutamine is currently part of clinical nutrition supplementation protocols and/or recommended for immune suppressed individuals. However, in a wide range of catabolic/hypercatabolic situations (e.g. ill/critically ill, post-trauma, sepsis, exhausted athletes) it is currently difficult to determine whether glutamine parenteral or enteral supplementation should be recommended based on the amino acid plasma concentration (glutaminemia). Although the beneficial immune based effects of glutamine supplementation is already established, many questions and evidence for positive in vivo outcomes still remain to be presented. Therefore, this paper provides an integrated review on how glutamine metabolism in key organs is important to cells of the immune system. We also discuss glutamine metabolism, action and important issues related to the effects of glutamine supplementation in catabolic situations.

Download Full-text

Carbon Nanostructures Doped with Transition Metals for Pollutant Gas Adsorption Systems

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26175346 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (17) ◽

pp. 5346

Author(s):

J. M. Ramirez-de-Arellano ◽

M. Canales ◽

L. F. Magaña

Keyword(s):

Carbon Nanotubes ◽

Transition Metals ◽

Carbon Nanostructures ◽

Gas Adsorption ◽

Chemical Warfare Agents ◽

Specific Area ◽

Chemical Warfare ◽

Wide Range ◽

Warfare Agents ◽

Adsorption Systems

The adsorption of molecules usually increases capacity and/or strength with the doping of surfaces with transition metals; furthermore, carbon nanostructures, i.e., graphene, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, graphdiyne, etc., have a large specific area for gas adsorption. This review focuses on the reports (experimental or theoretical) of systems using these structures decorated with transition metals for mainly pollutant molecules’ adsorption. Furthermore, we aim to present the expanding application of nanomaterials on environmental problems, mainly over the last 10 years. We found a wide range of pollutant molecules investigated for adsorption in carbon nanostructures, including greenhouse gases, anticancer drugs, and chemical warfare agents, among many more.

Download Full-text

Erythrocytes as Carriers for Drugs and Contrast Agents

Central Asian Journal of Global Health ◽

10.5195/cajgh.2013.89 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

Author(s):

Mauro Magnani

Keyword(s):

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

Autosomal Recessive Disorder ◽

Diagnostic Procedures ◽

The Body ◽

Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles ◽

Optical Methods ◽

Innovative Technology ◽

Minimal Amount ◽

Wide Range

Erythrocytes, also known as Red Blood Cells (RBC), are typically used in transfusion medicine to replace lost blood in patients who underwent different kinds of medical treatments as well as those involved in accidents resulting in blood loss. In addition to these common uses, RBC are being used for a variety of new applications either as therapeutics or as diagnostics. Most of these novel approaches are made possible due to the peculiar properties of these cells. We have invented a technology that allows cells to be opened and resealed without affecting their main physiological characteristics with a minimal amount of patient blood. Uses of processed RBCs in biomedical engineering include work with drugs, biomedical compounds and/or nanomaterials. These constructs are a new armamentarium available to the physicians for the release of drugs in circulation, for targeting drugs to selected sites in the body, or for in vivo diagnostic procedures based on magnetic and/or optical methods. Autologous human RBC loaded with dexamethasone (EryDex), a common corticosteroid, have been used in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis, Crohn’s Disease, and other severe inflammatory conditions. Benefits and safety of this technology have been documented in over 2,500 treatments. EryDel SpA is a company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies and diagnostics based on the use of autologous RBCs as agent carriers. More recently, EryDel SpA completed a Phase II Proof of Concept study in patients with Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT), a rare progressive neurological autosomal recessive disorder that leads to mortality in most patients at an early age, with significant benefit seen on primary and secondary end-points. EryDex treatment has received Orphan Drug Designation by EMA for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis and both by EMA and FDA for the treatment of AT.The encapsulation of superparamagnetic nanoparticles within RBC has lead to the generation of new biomimetic constructs that now permits the use of these nanomaterials in vivo avoiding their rapid sequestration and their accumulation in unwanted districts (PCT WO 2008/003524 A3). Similarly, the encapsulation of infrared fluorescent agents into RBC gives opportunity to the measurement of vasomotion in the human retinal vasculature suggesting a possible correlation with retinal edema.In summary, the newly developed RBC-based drug delivery system is an innovative technology platform that could be used in a wide range of applications opening to unlimited new therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, the same system has been adapted to deliver contrasting agents within the body enabling the improvement of current fluorangiographic procedures and the imaging by Magnetic Resonance (MRI) and Magnetic Particle (MPI). EryDel S.p.A. has recently completed trials to bring EryDex treatment to the market and to implement the clinical applications of the RBC technology.

Download Full-text