title: Medical application of carbon-nanotube-filled nanocomposites: the microcatheter.
abstract: Carbon nanotubes hold great promise for use in biomedical fields. Among numerous potential applications, including DNA and protein sensors, bioseparators, biocatalysts, and tissue scaffolds, this article emphasizes the use of carbon-nanotube-filled polymer composites as medical devices, namely, microcatheters. The currently hot topic of the biocompatibility (e.g., toxic properties) of carbon nanotubes is discussed. In addition, critical issues that must be clarified for the full utilization of current carbon-nanotube science and technology in biomedical fields are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Integrative Physiology and Bio-System Control, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan.
authors.forename: Shozo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Koyama
authors.forename: Hisao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Haniu
authors.forename: Kazuaki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Osaka
authors.forename: Haruhide
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koyama
authors.forename: Naomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kuroiwa
authors.forename: Morinobu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Endo
authors.forename: Yoong Ahm
authors.initials: YA
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Takuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hayashi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000502:physiology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002452:Cell Count; D004285:Dogs; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon