Selective Toxicity Mechanisms of Carbon Nanotubes and Near-Infrared Light Wave on the Colon and Hepatoma Cancer Cells

Cancer is a devastating disease with varying mortality rates and severe treatment side effects. Researchers are exploring alternative treatments that target cancer cells with high selectivity and minimal side effects. Photothermal therapy has shown promise as one such treatment option.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can penetrate cellular membranes and convert near-infrared light into heat for photothermal therapy (PTT).

In a recent study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used in combination with PTT to treat HT29 and PCL/PRF/5 cancerous cells for different durations (6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours). The cytotoxicity of each treatment was evaluated through MTT assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis, lipid peroxidation, lysosomal membrane integrity, and protein carbonyl analysis.

The study found that SWCNTs, MWCNTs, and PTT each individually had a significant cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. However, when used together, they were even more effective in destroying cancer cells. Combining SWCNTs with PTT resulted in the highest level of cytotoxicity.

These findings suggest that using CNTs, especially SWCNTs, in combination with PTT shows promise for treating cancer.