Work

Biocompatible Carbon Nanotube-Based Drug Delivery System for Neurodegenerative and Regenerative Biomedical Applications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) represent promising nanoplatforms for drug delivery due to their high surface area, tunable surface chemistry, and unique physicochemical properties. This study investigated the effect of chemical functionalization on the dispersion, drug loading, release behavior, aerosolization, and preliminary in vitro cytotoxicity of CNT-based drug delivery systems, with a view toward potential intranasal applications. Pristine CNTs and CNTs functionalized with hydroxyl (–OH) and carboxyl (–COOH) groups were loaded with methylene blue as a model therapeutic compound. The nanosystems were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, UV–Vis analysis, aerosol deposition measurements, electrical mapping by conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM), and MTT cytotoxicity assays. Functionalization significantly enhanced CNT dispersion stability and drug release control, with COOH–CNTs exhibiting the most sustained release profile and improved cytocompatibility, maintaining cell viability above XX% at concentrations up to YY µg/mL. Aerosolization tests demonstrated stable droplet formation compatible with nasal delivery devices. Overall, this work provides a proof-of-concept physicochemical and technological assessment of functionalized CNTs as potential carriers for intranasal drug delivery, laying the groundwork for future in vivo validation.

Source: C – Journal of Carbon Research

DOI: 10.3390/c12010017

Author: Stefano Bellucci

Institutions: National Institute of Materials Physics, Universidad Ecotec

Language: English

Topic: Graphene and Nanomaterials Applications

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930