In this study, an eco-friendly process utilizing a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide along with autoclaving and sonication was developed, accomplishing both carbon nanotube size reduction and hydroxyl functionalization.
Nanomaterial-based systems present several novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer therapy based solely upon their unique physical and chemical properties. Despite advances in current cancer treatment, collateral damage to neighboring healthy tissues still cannot be avoided. By exploiting the strong optical and/or electromagnetic properties offered by nanomaterials, they are being employed as thermal nanoscalpels for the ablation of cancer cells. Through surface functionalization, these nanomaterials can be specifically targeted to tumorous tissue allowing for an increase in therapeutic potential and reduction in side effects. Moreover, these features provide nanomaterials with a tunable surface which can be used to modify optical, magnetic, thermal and mechanical properties. This review highlights carbon nanomaterials, nanogolds, magnetic nanoparticles and emerging hybrids applied for the thermolysis of cancer cells.
Carbon nanomaterials have unique physicochemical properties based solely on their small size, which makes them ideal for nano-oncology. While there have been tremendous advances in the current treatment of high-risk cancers, conventional treatment still causes harm to the surrounding healthy tissue. Carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanohorns, and graphenes have been increasingly used in the field of cancer photothermal therapy. Through surface functionalization, carbon nanomaterials can be specifically targeted to the tumorous tissue allowing for an increase in therapeutic potential. The unique photo-electron transfer features of carbon nanomaterials coupled with functional moieties, is proving useful for their use in the photothermolysis of cancer cells.Keywords: cancer; carbon nanohorn; carbon nanotube; graphene; photothermal therapy Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content. Please, subscribe or login to access all content.
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