title: [The biocompatibility of carbon nanotubes].
abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are well-ordered, high aspect ratio allotropes of carbon. The two main variants, namely single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) both possess the characteristics of high tensile strength, ultra-light weight, and excellent chemical and thermal stability. They also possess the semi- and metallic-conductive properties. This startling array of features has led to many proposed applications in the biomedical field. However, it is only recently that information on toxicity and biocompatibility has become available. Herein is presented a review on the toxicity and biocompatibility of carbon nanotubes.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China. sunlanbeijing@yahoo.com.cn
authors.forename: Lan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Yingge
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000633:toxicity*; D018675:Toxicity Tests
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon