Cancer Targeting and Diagnosis: Recent Trends with Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Cancer belongs to a category of disorders characterized by uncontrolled cell development with the potential to invade other bodily organs, resulting in an estimated 10 million deaths globally in 2020. With advancements in nanotechnology-based systems, biomedical applications of nanomaterials are attracting increasing interest as prospective vehicles for targeted cancer therapy and enhancing treatment results. In this context, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have recently garnered a great deal of interest in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment due to various factors such as biocompatibility, thermodynamic properties, and varied functionalization. In the present review, we will discuss recent advancements regarding CNT contributions to cancer diagnosis and therapy. Various sensing strategies like electrochemical, colorimetric, plasmonic, and immunosensing are discussed in detail. In the next section, therapy techniques like photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, drug targeting, gene therapy, and immunotherapy are also explained in-depth. The toxicological aspect of CNTs for biomedical application will also be discussed in order to ensure the safe real-life and clinical use of CNTs.

Advances of Photothermal Agents with Fluorescence Imaging/Enhancement Ability in the Field of Photothermal Therapy and Diagnosis

“…Moreover, carbon-based two-dimensional materials such as CNTs have emerged as versatile NIR fluorescent building blocks for bioimaging due to their NIR excitation and bright, tunable optical properties. 51 Many applications of twodimensional materials in biomedical imaging and PTT are reported. 52 Ramesh Jasti's group designed a subcellular targeted nanohoop for living cell imaging (Figure 6A).…”

Optically Active Nanomaterials and Its Biosensing Applications—A Review

“…Thereafter, as a result of remarkable structural, mechanical, electrical, and optical properties, CNT is acknowledged as a new generation of nanoprobes. Because of their great chemical stability and sensitivity, high conductivity, high aspect ratio, and quick electron transfer rates, they are ideal for biosensing applications [32]. The immobilization of biomolecules on their surfaces, which improves the identification and signal transduction processes, is a critical component of CNT-based biosensors.…”

Advanced Nanosystems for Cancer Therapeutics: A Review

“…Two classes of CNTs (multi- and single-walled CNTs) have been studied for cancer treatment, tissue engineering/regenerative medicine, targeted drug delivery, and tumor growth suppression. , Because CNTs can lead to cell death and obstruct cell proliferation, their toxicity and immunogenicity should be comprehensively assessed . These nanomaterials can stimulate the oxidative stress by forming ROS, thus promoting pyroptosis, autophagic cell death, membrane destabilization, and DNA damage as well as reducing the cell adherence and enhancing stress in the endoplasmic reticulum. , In one study, chlorin e6 coated hyaluronic acid-based CNTs were deployed for photodynamic therapy of colon cancer cells . Besides, functionalized single-walled CNTs were employed for the targeted delivery of curcumin, showing improved antitumor efficacy (in vivo) and enhanced photothermal ablation of tumors due to an enhancement in cellular uptake; these nanosystems exhibited promising phototherapeutic and chemotherapeutic potentials .…”

“…166 These nanomaterials can stimulate the oxidative stress by forming ROS, thus promoting pyroptosis, autophagic cell death, membrane destabilization, and DNA damage as well as reducing the cell adherence and enhancing stress in the endoplasmic reticulum. 152,167 In one study, chlorin e6 coated hyaluronic acid-based CNTs were deployed for photodynamic therapy of colon cancer cells. 168 Besides, functionalized singlewalled CNTs were employed for the targeted delivery of curcumin, showing improved antitumor efficacy (in vivo) and enhanced photothermal ablation of tumors due to an enhancement in cellular uptake; these nanosystems exhibited promising phototherapeutic and chemotherapeutic potentials.…”