Carbon Nanostructures for Biological Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Since their discovery which dates back to 1990, carbon nanostructures (CNs) they have been recognized to play a crucial role in a variety of human activities. Thanks to the long list of superior properties, CNs have been deeply introduced in nanotechnology boosting developments in areas including physics, electronics, mechanics, biology and medicine. 

Among other nanostructures those based on carbon may be organized in planar sp² or tetrahedral sp³ hybrids which may form 0-D, 1-D, 2-D and 3-D systems. The specific arrangement of carbon atoms in each of these structures induces specific intrinsic mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. Belonging to 0-D structures we recognize fullerenes, nanodiamonds, carbon based dendrimers. Carbon nanotubes and carbon fibers are 1-D systems while graphene sheets, carbon based nanofilms, diamond and graphite platelets are 2-D structures. Finally in 3-D carbon may be organized as in graphite and diamond crystals, may form carbon based sponges and scaffolds. An area of fervent research is the application of these carbon nanostructures in biology and medicine. Looking at the current literature and to the technological state-of-the-art there is a large number of examples of applications

Fullerenes and fullerene based dendrimers are utilized in biomedicine as neuroprotective and as contrasting agents in magnetic resonance imaging. CNs are widely utilized in sensing applications. As an example carbon nanotubes and functionalized nanodiamonds are used to sense biological molecules such as glucose, neurotransmitters, toxins, proteins and DNA, aptamers… or microorganisms. Carbon nanotubes and nanofibers as well as graphene are also utilized to reinforce nanocomposites, are used for drug delivery and imaging. Graphene oxide displays interesting antibacterial activity. Nanotubes can be organized in supports for neuron cell growth. Carbon nanomaterials display also therapeutic properties thanks to their strong optical absorption which is exploited in hyperthermal cancer therapy.

However, besides the amazing versatility of CNs, there are also some crucial challenges. In particular still the toxicity related to nano-carbons remain a crucial issue. A number of works report about the toxicity related to the use of the carbon nanomaterials. Different degree of toxicity was found in relation to the geometry of CNs. In vivo toxicity of carbon nanotubes have been reported in a number of studies. Tests on animal have shown that in general exposure to CNs may induce inflammations, fibroses, epithelioid granulomas in the lungs. CNs may display potential cellular cytotoxic effects, and can induce cardiopulmonary and vascular irregularities. In this respect, the surface properties of the CNs, the presence of functional groups, the state of aggregation are crucial factors influencing the response of the biological environment to CNs. Thus, even if consolidated applicative biomedical results have been reached, the search for optimal and efficient carbon based nanomaterials is still ongoing. As seen, the long list of properties makes carbon nanostructures a high versatile platform in the area of biological and biomedical applications. In spite the long period since their discovery, CNs still represent an area of active research showing important perspectives and developments which may have important socio-economic impacts.

Kind regards,

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• carbon nanostructures
• carbon dots
• carbon nanotubes
• carbon nanofibers
• carbon based coatings
• nanodiamond
• graphene
• biology
• biomedicine & healthcare
• sensing
• drug delivery
• imaging
• orthopedics
• regenerative medicine
• carbon optical properties
• carbon electronic properties
• crabon mechanical properties
• surface functionalization
• surface characterization
• plasmas and material processing
• toxicity