title: Functionalized carbon nanotubes as emerging nanovectors for the delivery of therapeutics.
abstract: Functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNT) are emerging as a new family of nanovectors for the delivery of different types of therapeutic molecules. The application of CNT in the field of carrier-mediated delivery has become possible after the recent discovery of their capacity to penetrate into the cells. CNT can be loaded with active molecules by forming stable covalent bonds or supramolecular assemblies based on noncovalent interactions. Once the cargos are carried into various cells, tissues and organs they are able to express their biological function. In this review, we will describe the potential of f-CNT to deliver different types of therapeutic molecules.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, UPR 9021 CNRS, 15 Rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France.
authors.forename: Cédric
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Klumpp
authors.forename: Kostas
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kostarelos
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Prato
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bianco
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D012313:RNA / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA