Carbon nanotubes as delivery systems for respiratory disease: do the dangers outweigh the potential benefits?

Bonner, JC

HERO ID

1071860

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2011

Language

English

PMID

22082164

HERO ID 1071860
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2011
Title Carbon nanotubes as delivery systems for respiratory disease: do the dangers outweigh the potential benefits?
Authors Bonner, JC
Journal Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine
Volume 5
Issue 6
Page Numbers 779-787
Abstract Nanoparticle drug-delivery systems offer the potential for improved efficacy of treatment, and yet there are also potential risks associated with these novel therapeutic strategies. An attractive property of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is that the tube- or fiber-like structure allows for extensive functionalization and loading of cargo. However, a large body of evidence indicates that CNTs may have adverse effects if used in drug delivery as they have been shown to cause pulmonary fibrosis and exacerbate lung disease in rodents with pre-existing lung diseases. Major factors that cause these toxic effects are the high aspect ratio, durability and residual metal content that generate reactive oxygen species. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to the possibility that lung inflammation or fibrosis could be significant side effects caused by a CNT-based drug-delivery system, thereby outweighing any potential beneficial effects of therapeutic treatment. However, functionalization of CNTs to modulate aspect ratio, biodegradability and to remove residual metals could allow for safe design of CNTs for use in drug delivery in certain circumstances.
Doi 10.1586/ers.11.72
Pmid 22082164
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No