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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Facile Preparation of Internally Self-assembled Lipid Particles Stabilized by Carbon Nanotubes
Published on: February 19, 2016
A pilot toxicology study of single-walled carbon nanotubes in a small sample of mice
Meike L Schipper1, Nozomi Nakayama-Ratchford, Corrine R Davis
1Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology and Bio-X Program, Palo Alto, California 94305-5427, USA.
Abstract:
Single-walled carbon nanotubes are currently under evaluation in biomedical applications, including in vivo delivery of drugs, proteins, peptides and nucleic acids (for gene transfer or gene silencing), in vivo tumour imaging and tumour targeting of single-walled carbon nanotubes as an anti-neoplastic treatment. However, concerns about the potential toxicity of single-walled carbon nanotubes have been raised. Here we examine the acute and chronic toxicity of functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes when injected into the bloodstream of mice. Survival, clinical and laboratory parameters reveal no evidence of toxicity over 4 months. Upon killing, careful necropsy and tissue histology show age-related changes only. Histology and Raman microscopic mapping demonstrate that functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes persisted within liver and spleen macrophages for 4 months without apparent toxicity. Although this is a preliminary study with a small group of animals, our results encourage further confirmation studies with larger groups of animals.
Insights
Functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes show no toxicity in mice over 4 months. These nanomaterials persisted in organs without adverse effects, suggesting potential for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) show promise in drug delivery, imaging, and cancer treatment.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential toxicity of SWCNTs in biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity of functionalized SWCNTs after intravenous injection in mice.
- To assess the in vivo biodistribution and long-term effects of SWCNTs.
Main Methods:
- Functionalized SWCNTs were injected into the bloodstream of mice.
- Mice were monitored for survival, clinical signs, and laboratory parameters over 4 months.
- Necropsy, tissue histology, and Raman microscopic mapping were performed to assess SWCNT distribution and toxicity.
Main Results:
- No evidence of SWCNT toxicity was observed based on survival, clinical, and laboratory data over 4 months.
- Histological examination revealed only age-related changes in tissues.
- Functionalized SWCNTs were found to persist in liver and spleen macrophages for 4 months without apparent toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized SWCNTs demonstrate a favorable safety profile in mice over a 4-month period.
- The findings support further investigation into SWCNTs for biomedical applications.
- Larger-scale studies are recommended to confirm these preliminary results.
