Due to their electrical, chemical, mechanical and thermal properties, carbon nanotubes are one of the most promising materials for the electronics, computer and aerospace industries. Here, we discuss their properties in the context of future applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. The purification and chemical modification of carbon nanotubes with organic, polymeric and biological molecules are discussed. Additionally we review their uses in biosensors, assembly of structures and devices, scanning probe microscopy and as substrates for neuronal growth. We note that additional toxicity studies of carbon nanotubes are necessary so that exposure guidelines and safety regulations can be established in a timely manner.
KeywordsCarbon Nanotubes; Structure; Purification; Modification; Biosensors; Assembly of Structures and Devices; Scanning Probe Tips; Nanosurgery; Substrates for Neuronal Growth Although nanomaterials have existed in nature long before mankind was able to identify forms at the nanoscale level, advances in synthetic chemistry have been one of the driving forces in the development of a biological nanotechnology. Nanomaterials have been designed for a variety of biomedical and biotechnological applications, including bone growth, 1 enzyme encapsulation, 2 biosensors 3, 4 and as vesicles for DNA delivery into living cells. 5,6 Whereas nanotechnology may provide novel materials which can result in revolutionary new structures and devices, biotechnology already offers extremely sophisticated tools to precisely position molecules and assemble hierarchal structures and devices. The application of the principles of biology to nanotechnology provides a valuable route for further miniaturization and performance improvement of artificial devices. The feasibility of the bottom-up approach which is based on molecular recognition and self-assembly properties of proteins has already been proved in many inorganic-organic hybrid systems and devices. Nanodevices with biorecognition properties provide tools at a scale, which offers a tremendous opportunity to study biochemical processes and to manipulate living cells at the single molecule level. The synergetic future of nano-and bio-technologies holds great promise for further advancement in tissue engineering, prostheses, genomics, pharmacogenomics, drug delivery, surgery and general medicine.*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
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NIH-PA Author ManuscriptEver since Edison discovered that carbon changes its resistance with pressure and a carbon filament glows when an electric current is passed through it, the unique properties of carbon have intrigued scientists. After more than a century of interest, carbon has found its apogee in the fullerenes and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-arguably the most promising of all nanomaterials. Because of their unique quasi one-dimensional structure and fascinating mechanical and electronic properties, CNTs have captured the attention of physicists...