Functionalized carbon nanotubes—A boon in treating brain diseases

Abstract

Typical intrinsic properties of carbon nanotube (CNTs) like one-dimensional structure with very high mechanical strength, high thermal and electrical conductivity, high aspect ratio, high surface area, ability to conjugate with functional groups, and elevated surface functionalizing capacity have made it a nanostructure of choice to be manipulated for drug delivery for the past two decades. The human brain restricts movements and or entry of ions, molecules, and cells between the blood and the brain because of the presence of the blood-brain barrier. As a result, administering drug molecules of choice to the brain under disease condition become constrained. Surface functionalized CNTs can render themselves efficient as drug carriers to the neurons, for extreme conditions like Alzheimer's disease, glioblastoma, Parkinson's disorder, brain stroke, brain tumor, etc. This review discussed in detail the advancement achieved so far in delivering drug molecules to the brain using CNT as the carrier and related management of toxicity so that a safer dose delivery can be made.

Carbon nanotubes as neuroprotective agents

“…Certain research work also shows that CNTs can elevate ROS and induce oxidative stress inside cells. Since organs like the spleen, kidney, and lungs are more vulnerable to oxidative stress compared to other organs of the body, more research on the antioxidant potential of CNTs inside biological systems needs to be performed before using them for medicinal properties [31][32][33][34][35].…”

The Role of Fullerenes in Neurodegenerative Disorders

“…Table 1 highlights some of the current treatments for AD and PD. Since their discovery, fullerenes and their derivatives have drawn considerable attention in the biomedical field, owing to their excellent antioxidant and neuroprotective potential [21][22][23][24]. Because of their ability to interact with and influence assembly of peptides and proteins, fullerenes and their derivatives have the potential to serve as novel therapeutics in treating neurodegenerative disorders [25].…”