The Curious Case of 1D and 2D Carbon Nanostructure Pharmacology & Toxicology

Carbon nanomaterials may have captured the excitement and interest of myriads of scientists and two Nobel prizes, but have only just entered a phase of maturity in their development and utilization for medical purposes.... [ view full abstract ]

Carbon nanomaterials may have captured the excitement and interest of myriads of scientists and two Nobel prizes, but have only just entered a phase of maturity in their development and utilization for medical purposes. Graphene-based materials that constitute some of the newest nanocarbon types today, have mainly been explored as components of biosensors and for construction of matrices in tissue engineering. The capacity of graphene to act as a platform for various therapeutic and diagnostic agents has also been reported, however not as coherently. Among the recent advances made with graphene-related materials, their use as components of innovative delivery systems is full of promise, however there are challenges facing these exciting new tools both in terms of biological activity and toxicological profiling. This presentation will attempt to offer a comparative perspective on the pharmacological and toxicological profiles revealed for 1D (carbon nanotubes, CNT) and 2D (graphene oxide sheets, GO) carbon nanostructures. This aims to be an illustration of the importance rational and systematic research work plays to unravel the unparalleled properties of carbon nanomaterials and allow their utilization as clinical tools.