Carbon nanotubes are one of the most commonly used nanomaterials in
research field and consumer industries. They have attained popularity in biomedical
applications pertaining to novel drug delivery carriers, as building blocks for tissue
regeneration as well as probes for bio-imaging and bio-sensing. Both multi-walled and
single walled CNTs have been employed for therapeutic activity for the treatment of
several diseases such as cancer therapy, Neurodegenerative Diseases and Alzheimer
Syndrome via multiple approaches. Potential application of CNTs as nano-carrier is
their ability to translocate through cellular membranes, facilitate their use for the
delivery of therapeutically active molecules resembling cell-penetrating peptides. This
chapter highlights the importance of CNTs as a vehicle for delivering wide variety of
payloads including drugs, small organic molecules, oligonucleotides, proteins, siRNA,
vaccines and nutrients. We have focussed on demonstrating their synthesis and
functionalization as important procedural steps for creating a smart and intelligent
system for delivery.
Keywords: Biodegradation, Biosafety, Cancer therapy, Cargoes, Drug delivery,
Encapsulation, Encapsulation efficiency, Genes, MWCNTs, Nano-carrier,
Neurons, Nutrients, Personalized therapeutics, Proteins, PL-PEG, Smart vehicle,
Surface functionalization, SWNTs.
