Review on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their chemical and physical characteristics, with particular emphasis on potential applications in biomedicine

This comprehensive review article discusses the biomedical applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with unique inherent chemical and physical attributes. The findings of different researchers in the field of CNT, their functionalization, and their biomedical applications are focused on. In-vitro and in-vivo drug delivery have been investigated, mainly using doxorubicin for anti-cancer treatment. Additionally, due to their Raman and photoluminescence properties, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have shown promise as optical contrast agents for cell imaging. In vitro and in vivo toxicity studies have demonstrated the biocompatibility and safety of hydrophilic serum-stable CNTs. The biodistribution of CNTs is influenced by functionalization, with small particles accumulating in the reticuloendothelial system (RES) of vital organs such as the heart, kidney, and spleen. The significant potential of CNTs in various biomedical applications is highlighted in this review.