Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are cylindrical nanostructures composed of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice [1]. While not biological targets themselves, they serve as versatile drug delivery platforms due to their unique physical and chemical properties, including high aspect ratios and the ability to be functionalized with various ligands [2]. SWCNTs can cross biological membranes and deliver a wide range of therapeutic payloads, including small molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins, directly into cells [3]. In oncology, they are often used to enhance the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin or to facilitate photothermal therapy by converting near-infrared light into heat [4]. However, their clinical application is currently limited by concerns regarding their long-term biocompatibility, potential for inducing oxidative stress, and accumulation in the liver and spleen [5].

Other names

SWCNTSingle-wall carbon nanotubeCarbon nanotubeSWNT

Single-walled carbon nanotubes function as delivery scaffolds that transport therapeutic payloads across biological membranes via endocytosis or direct penetration [1]. They can be functionalized with targeting ligands to selectively deliver drugs to specific cell types, such as tumor cells, utilizing the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect [2]. Additionally, their intrinsic physical properties allow them to be used in photothermal therapy, where they absorb near-infrared light to generate localized heat and destroy diseased tissue [3].