Toxicity issues in the application of carbon nanotubes to biological systems

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have recently emerged as a new option for possible use in methodologies of cancer treatment, bioengineering, and gene therapy. This review analyzes the potential, through possible toxicologic implications, of CNTs in nanomedicine. Generally, proven success in other fields may not translate to the use of CNTs in medicine for reasons including inconsistent data on cytotoxicity and limited control over functionalized-CNT behavior, both of which restrict predictability. Additionally, the lack of a centralized toxicity database limits comparison between research results. To better understand these problems, we seek insight from currently published toxicity studies, with data suggesting postexposure regeneration, resistance, and mechanisms of injury in cells, due to CNTs. From the Clinical Editor: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have recently emerged as a new option for cancer treatment, bioengineering, and gene therapy. Inconsistent data on cytotoxicity and limited control over functionalized-CNT behavior currently restrict predictability of such applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.