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Carbon nanomaterials: multi-functional agents for biomedical fluorescence and Raman imaging
J Bartelmess1, S J Quinn, S Giordani
1Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Nano Carbon Materials, Nanophysics Department, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy. silvia.giordani@iit.it.
Chemical Society Reviews
|November 20, 2014
Summary
Carbon nanomaterials offer advanced biomedical imaging using fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy. This review explores their use in diagnostics and therapy, including drug delivery and photothermal treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical imaging
- Nanotechnology
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Carbon-based nanomaterials are increasingly vital for biomedical imaging.
- Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy leverage these materials' intrinsic properties or labels.
- Applications span both in vitro and in vivo studies in biology and medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utilization and performance of various carbon nanomaterials for biomedical imaging.
- To examine different approaches, imaging agents, and techniques.
- To discuss the properties of carbon-based imaging agents and theranostic applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on carbon nanomaterials in biomedical imaging.
- Analysis of different classes of carbon nanomaterials: nanotubes, nanohorns, nanoonions, nanodiamonds, and graphene derivatives.
- Examination of imaging techniques, including fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Several carbon nanomaterial classes demonstrate significant potential for in vitro and in vivo imaging.
- Intrinsic photophysical properties and fluorescent labeling enable diverse imaging strategies.
- Theranostic applications combining imaging with targeted drug delivery or photothermal therapy are emerging.
Conclusions:
- Carbon nanomaterials are versatile tools for advanced biomedical imaging and theranostics.
- Their unique properties facilitate innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
- Continued research promises further integration into clinical practice for enhanced healthcare outcomes.
