Carbon-Based Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery

Carbon-based nanomaterials have gained significant attention in drug delivery due to their unique properties such as high surface area, biocompatibility, and tunability. They can be used to deliver drugs specifically to target cells or tissues, improving drug efficacy and reducing side effects. Carbon-based nanocarriers, such as graphene, graphene oxide, gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes, are discussed in this review. The potential toxicological effects of these nanocarriers are also explored, including their interactions with cells and tissues. Additionally, existing and novel technologies/methodologies for the synthesis and functionalization of CBNs are described, including methods such as chemical vapor deposition, hydrothermal synthesis, and self-assembly.

Format: Hardback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Carbon-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising tools in targeted drug delivery, offering significant advantages over traditional drug delivery systems. Their unique properties, such as high surface area, biocompatibility, and tunable physicochemical properties, make them ideal for delivering drugs to specific cells or tissues while minimizing side effects.

One of the key applications of carbon-based nanomaterials in drug delivery is their ability to enhance drug solubility and stability. By encapsulating drugs within carbon nanostructures, such as fullerenes, graphene oxide (GO), or carbon nanotubes (CNT), the drug molecules can be protected from degradation and improved drug bioavailability. This can be particularly important for drugs with poor water solubility or unstable properties, allowing for more effective and targeted treatment of diseases.

Carbon-based nanomaterials can also be designed to target specific cells or tissues by modifying their surface properties or physicochemical characteristics. For example, graphene oxide can be functionalized with targeting ligands, such as antibodies or peptides, to specifically bind to cancer cells or tumor tissues. This allows for increased drug accumulation at the target site and reduced drug exposure to healthy cells, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy.

Furthermore, carbon-based nanomaterials can be used to deliver genes to cells for gene therapy. Carbon nanotubes, in particular, have excellent biocompatibility and can efficiently deliver genetic material into cells. This approach has the potential to treat genetic disorders and diseases such as cancer by introducing new genes or modifying existing ones.

However, the use of carbon-based nanomaterials in drug delivery also raises concerns about their toxicological effects. While these materials are generally considered safe in low concentrations, there is growing evidence that prolonged exposure or high doses may have negative consequences on human health. For example, graphene oxide has been shown to induce inflammation and cell death in vitro, and its potential toxicity in vivo remains to be fully understood.

To address these concerns, researchers are exploring novel technologies and methodologies for the synthesis and functionalization of carbon-based nanocarriers. These include graphene, GO, GQDs, CNT, fullerene, and smart carbon-based nanocarriers, which have been designed to improve their biocompatibility, stability, and drug delivery capabilities.

In conclusion, carbon-based nanomaterials have significant potential in targeted drug delivery, offering improved drug solubility, stability, and targeting capabilities. However, it is important to carefully evaluate their toxicological effects and develop safe and effective technologies for their synthesis and functionalization. With ongoing research and development, carbon-based nanomaterials may become an important tool in the fight against diseases and improve the quality of life for many people.

Weight: 800g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032414447