Carbon nanotubes a promising new generation drug: A detailed journey in biochemical and biomedical fields

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which are well known for their multipurpose uses and their place in nanotechnology have particularly received much attention. The present review paper aims to present a summary of the current state of knowledge regarding carbon nanotubes, their history, architecture, fabrication techniques and uses. CNTs were first discovered in 1991 and have been investigated for application in a broad range of industries because of their remarkable mechanical, electrical and thermal characteristics. The synthesis techniques including arc discharge, chemical vapor deposition, and laser ablation of CNTs have been further developed to optimise the quality and end use of the nanotubes. Moreover, the paper covers the antibacterial and antifungal activities of CNTs, as well as their mechanism of action based on evaluations of bacterial and fungal strains, the physical and chemical nature, and the extremely large surface area of CNTs, which is said to disrupt the cell membrane of microbes. Novelty on the surface modification in the past years has expanded the availability of biomedical application such as drug carriers and antibacterial layer. The review also considers the issues concerning the CNT dispersion and the environmental aspects related to the application of CNTs. This paper highlights the progress that has been made in the field of CNTs and these help to underpin the future of nanotechnology and materials science.