Carbon-Based Materials for Photo-Triggered Theranostic Applications

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine and Theranostics
• Materials Science in Biomedical Applications

Background:

• Carbon-based nanomaterials possess unique physicochemical properties beneficial for advanced medical treatments.
• These materials are explored for developing less invasive therapeutic strategies.
• Their application in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a growing area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the properties and applications of various carbon nanomaterials for photodynamic nanomedicine.
• To highlight their use in cancer and antimicrobial therapies.
• To discuss the functionalization strategies that enable their role as PDT agents.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on carbon nanomaterials (fullerene, nanotubes, nanohorns, nanodots, nanographenes).
• Analysis of surface passivation and functionalization techniques for carbon nanomaterials.
• Examination of conjugation strategies with photosensitizers and targeting ligands.

Main Results:

• Carbon nanomaterials, while hydrophobic, become effective photodynamic therapy (PDT) vehicles upon surface modification.
• Functionalized nanomaterials demonstrate enhanced selectivity, stability, and high quantum yield.
• These enhanced properties facilitate versatile biomedical applications.

Conclusions:

• Surface-engineered carbon nanomaterials are promising platforms for photodynamic nanomedicine.
• Their tailored properties enable advanced theranostic applications in oncology and infectious diseases.
• Further development holds potential for innovative, less invasive treatment modalities.