A review on protein functionalized carbon nanotubes
Kathyayini Nagaraju1, Roopa Reddy1, Narendra Reddy1
1Center for Emerging Technologies, Jain University, Jain Global Campus, Jakkasandra Post, Bangalore - India.
Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Functional Materials
|December 15, 2015
Summary
Protein functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) enhances their use in medicine, but cytotoxicity results remain contradictory. This review covers functionalization methods and applications for these versatile nanomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Chemistry
Background:
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess unique properties making them suitable for drug delivery and biosensing.
- Both single-walled (SWCNTs) and multi-walled (MWCNTs) carbon nanotubes are explored for diverse applications.
- CNTs' inert and insoluble nature necessitates functionalization for biological interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review protein functionalization methods for carbon nanotubes.
- To discuss the potential applications of protein-functionalized CNTs, particularly in medicine.
- To highlight the conflicting findings regarding the cytotoxicity of functionalized CNTs.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on carbon nanotube functionalization.
- Analysis of various protein attachment strategies to CNT surfaces.
- Compilation of data on applications and cytotoxicity studies.
Main Results:
- Protein functionalization is crucial for utilizing CNTs in biomedical fields.
- Applications include drug, DNA, and gene delivery, as well as biosensing.
- Contradictory data exists on the cytotoxicity of protein-functionalized CNTs.
Conclusions:
- Protein-functionalized CNTs offer significant potential in various applications, especially medical.
- Further research is needed to resolve discrepancies in cytotoxicity data.
- Standardized methods for functionalization and characterization are essential.
