A Carbon nanotubes: A Futuristic nanomaterial for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications

Nanotechnology has been evolved to be feasible and elegant in various fields particularly in biomedical domain. A carbon nanotube is one of the most eminent nanomaterials used in diverse applications of nanotechnology. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are rolled up sheet of graphene with chemical bonding of sp2 hybridized bonds. CNTs have remarkable properties such as magnificent strength and higher surface area, which makes it more attractive for employment in drug delivery system. CNTs could be used to deliver drugs with great accuracy and reduced adverse consequences. In this view, many scientific studies in drug delivery system demonstrated with the utilization of either single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) or multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) for controlled release of drugs and showed optimistic characteristics in specific targeted delivery. However, carbon nanotubes toxicity level, agglomeration and deposition of CNTs in tissues are the main limitations to be examined consciously. The revelation of biosafety aspects of carbon nanotubes to human is still apprehensive. Hence, more investigations are needed to overcome the challenges associated with carbon nanotubes to effectively accomplish in developing nano based novel drugs formulation. The aim of this review is to discuss about the significant features and outcomes of carbon nanotubes in drug delivery for various therapeutic applications. The synthesis techniques and desire attribute of carbon nanotubes in pharmacological effect are also reviewed. The toxic level of carbon nanotubes and their role in biomedical activities are highlighted. The limitations, safety aspects, challenges and scope for future research are also projected in the article.