Abstract

CARBON NANOTUBE LOADED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: A REVIEW

Treesa Pearl*, Dr. K.S.G. Arulkumaran and R. Gayathri

ABSTRACT

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanostructures derived from rolled graphene planes and retain various interesting chemical and physical properties. CNTs can be conjugated with various biological molecules with drugs, proteins and nucleic acid to afford bio-functionalities. CNTs exist as single (SWNTs), and multi-walled (MWNTs) structures. CNT exhibits properties, such as high aspect-ratio, ultra-light weight, strength and electronic properties ranging from metallic to semiconducting. The synthesis of carbon nanotubes can be done by plasma based synthesis method or arc discharge evaporation method, laser ablation method, thermal synthesis process, chemical vapour deposition and by plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The functionalization technique is performed to enhance the surface properties, biocompatibility and to reduce the cytotoxicity. The CNTs are valuable in the field of drug delivery, blood cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, gene therapy, immune therapy, biomedical imaging, biosensors and tissue engineering.

Keywords: Arc discharge, Cancer, Laser ablation, Multiple walled, Nanotube, single walled.