Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Ischemic Disorders Employing Carbon Nanotube Technology

Abstract

Extensive research on carbon nanotubes has been conducted due to their excellent physicochemical properties. Based on their outstanding physicochemical properties, carbon nanotubes have the potential to be employed as theranostic tools for neurological pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease including ischemic stroke diagnosis and treatment. Stroke is currently regarded as the third root cause of death and the leading source of immobility around the globe. The development and improvement of efficient and effective procedures for central nervous system disease diagnosis and treatment is necessitated. The main aim of this review is to discuss the application of nanotechnology, specifically carbon nanotubes, to the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders with an emphasis on ischemic stroke. Areas covered include the conventional current diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, as well as a critical review of the application of carbon nanotubes in the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic stroke, covering areas such as functionalization of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube-based biosensors. A broad perspective on carbon nanotube stimuli-responsiveness, carbon nanotube toxicity, and commercially available carbon nanotubes is provided. Potential future studies employing carbon nanotubes have been discussed, evaluating their extent of advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and ischemic disorders.

Recent Status of Nanomaterial Fabrication and Their Potential Applications in Neurological Disease Management

“…Often, NMs are designed to not interact with body defense mechanisms. The NMs are smaller in size and they can easily be stored into peripheral tissues for longer period availability in the body [ 20 ]. NMs can interact with physiological systems at the molecular and supra molecular level.…”

“…This protein also has a risk factor for the growth of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) which may later convert to AD development [ 29 ]. AD contributes in more than 80% of dementia and now it has been categorized as the most devastating disease in the world [ 20 , 30 – 32 ]. Environmental pollution is the major cause of AD and PD progression.…”

“…As mentioned, the bioavailability and effective delivery of drugs and other therapeutic compounds in the nervous system is restricted by two barriers namely BBB and blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) [ 20 , 37 – 40 ]. The BBB plays a significant role to protect the entry of blood-borne pathogens like bacteria, virus, parasites, and toxins [ 41 ].…”

“…Neurotrophin plays a significant role in the development and function of neurons as well as neuroprotection in both CNS and peripheral nervous system, and their delivery into the brain can be performed by using CNTs. The neuronal injury can be protected and functional motor recovery will be enhanced by pre-treatment with amine, functionalized with SWCNTs [ 20 , 150 ].…”

“…Currently, it has emerged as new promising NMs due to useful and exclusive properties for treatment of neurological disorders viz. in AD, PD, and ischemic stroke [ 20 , 184 , 185 ]. The successful utilization of CNTs as drug delivery vehicles in vivo has been reported in many diseases like bone implants, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and cancer [ 184 , 186 ] .…”