Advances and Perspectives in the Use of Carbon Nanotubes in Vaccine Development

Abstract

Advances in nanobiotechnology have allowed the utilization of nanotechnology through nanovaccines. Nanovaccines are powerful tools for enhancing the immunogenicity of a specific antigen and exhibit advantages over other adjuvant approaches, with features such as expanded stability, prolonged release, decreased immunotoxicity, and immunogenic selectivity. We introduce recent advances in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to induce either a carrier effect as a nanoplatform or an immunostimulatory effect. Several studies of CNT-based nanovaccines revealed that due to the ability of CNTs to carry immunogenic molecules, they can act as nonclassical vaccines, a quality not possessed by vaccines with traditional formulations. Therefore, adapting and modifying the physicochemical properties of CNTs for use in vaccines may additionally enhance their efficacy in inducing a T cell-based immune response. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to renew and awaken interest in and knowledge of the safe use of CNTs as adjuvants and carriers in vaccines.

Mucosal delivery of nanovaccine strategy against COVID-19 and its variants

“…Carbon nanotubes can be classified into single-wall carbon nanotubes (swCNTs) with an approximate diameter of 1–2 nm and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (mwCNTs) with an approximate diameter of 2–100 nm 188 . Recently, CNTs have been extensively studied as vaccine carriers due to their high stability, high loading capacity, diverse ways of functionalization, and ease of mass production 188 , 189 . However, due to their hydrophobicity and toxic effects on macrophages, CNTs are generally functionalized to reduce toxicity and increase biocompatibility.…”

State-of-the-Art Smart and Intelligent Nanobiosensors for SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis

“…Moreover, carbon nanotubes can be categorized into multi-walled (MWCNTs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) [ 104 , 105 ]. Carbon nanotubes exhibit an array of applications in biosensors, drug delivery, and diagnostics with greater longevity because of their cheaper production and biological, magnetic, electronic, mechanical, and optical properties, compared to the bulk material [ 106 , 107 ]. The unique properties of CNTs have stimulated the development of CNT-based biosensors.…”

Coronavirus and Carbon Nanotubes: Seeking Immunological Relationships to Discover Immunotherapeutic Possibilities

“…The search for and understanding of immunological relationships between coronaviruses and CNTs, which may be useful in new therapeutic approaches, since CNTs may be immunotherapeutic options for coronavirus infection and useful in research into therapeutic approaches of this type, are rarely described in the literature. 12,13 Therefore, this study was aimed to explore the relationship between the immune activation of the coronaviruses associated with different outbreaks and the immune activation caused by CNTs, with a focus on discovering potential cytokines and chemokines are known to recruit immune cells and induce inflammatory injury. In addition, SARS-CoV infection increases the production of macrophages, which produce interferons (IFNs).…”

“…Creating and developing new nanobiotechnological products are urgent endeavors when the goal is to provide new types of immunotherapies that generate and/or improve an immune response. 12,66,67 Therefore, the safety and development of new materials used to restore and modulate the immunological systems in patients affected by several diseases/infections are realities. 68 Nanomaterials have been widely used in immunotherapies for immunomodulation.…”