Carbon nanotubes part II: a remarkable carrier for drug and gene delivery. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karimi, Mahdi; Solati, Navid; Ghasemi, Amir; Estiar, Mehrdad Asghari; Hashemkhani, Mahshid; Kiani, Parnian; Mohamed, Elmira; Saeidi, Ahad; Taheri, Mahdiar; Avci, Pinar; Aref, Amir R; Amiri, Mohammad; Baniasadi, Fazel; Hamblin, Michael R
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on drug delivery. Volume 12:Number 7(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 1089
• Page End: 1105
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Drug delivery devices -- Periodicals; Drug delivery systems -- Periodicals; 615.605
• DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2015.1004309
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-5247

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <bold> <italic>Introduction:</italic> </bold> Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have recently been studied as novel and versatile drug and gene delivery vehicles. When CNT are suitably functionalized, they can interact with various cell types and are taken up by endocytosis.</p> <p> <bold> <italic>Areas covered:</italic> </bold> Anti-cancer drugs cisplatin and doxorubicin have been delivered by CNT, as well as methotrexate, taxol and gemcitabine. The delivery of the antifungal compound amphotericin B and the oral administration of erythropoietin have both been assisted using CNT. Frequently, targeting moieties such as folic acid, epidermal growth factor or various antibodies are attached to the CNT-drug nanovehicle. Different kinds of functionalization (e.g., polycations) have been used to allow CNT to act as gene delivery vectors. Plasmid DNA, small interfering RNA and micro-RNA have all been delivered by CNT vehicles. Significant concerns are raised about the nanotoxicology of the CNT and their potentially damaging effects on the environment.</p> <p> <bold> <italic>Expert opinion:</italic> </bold> CNT-mediated drug delivery has been studied for over a decade, and both <italic>in vitro</italic> and <italic>in vivo</italic> studies have been reported. The future success of CNTs as vectors <italic>in vivo</italic> and in clinical application will depend on achievement of efficacious therapy with minimal adverse effects and avoidance of possible toxic and environmentally damaging effects.</p> </abstract>