Functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes and their binding to cancer cells

Carbon nanotubes in biomedical applications: current status, promises, and challenges

In the past decade, there has been phenomenal progress in the field of nanomaterials, especially in the area of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In this review, we have elucidated a contemporary synopsis of properties, synthesis, functionalization, toxicity, and several potential biomedical applications of CNTs. Researchers have reported remarkable mechanical, electronic, and physical properties of CNTs which makes their applications so versatile. Functionalization of CNTs has been valuable in modifying their properties, expanding their applications, and reducing their toxicity. In recent years, the use of CNTs in biomedical applications has grown exponentially as they are utilized in the field of drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensors, bioimaging, and cancer treatment. CNTs can increase the lifespan of drugs in humans and facilitate their delivery directly to the targeted cells; they are also highly efficient biocompatible biosensors and bioimaging agents. CNTs have also shown great results in detecting the SARS COVID-19 virus and in the field of cancer treatment and tissue engineering which is substantially required looking at the present conditions. The concerns about CNTs include cytotoxicity faced in in vivo biomedical applications and its high manufacturing cost are discussed in the review.

The T/Tn-Specific Helix pomatia Lectin Induces Cell Death in Lymphoma Cells Negative for T/Tn Antigens

Simple Summary

Changes in glycosylation, such as incomplete synthesis and higher density of O-glycans on the cell surface, are frequently observed in cancer cells. Several types of truncated O-glycan structures, e.g., T/Tn antigens, are suspected to disrupt molecular interactions between tumor microenvironment and immune cells, for instance, facilitating cancer immune-escape. Therefore, numerous exogenous lectins targeting aberrant O-glycans are interesting tools for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. However, the ability of exolectins to detect subtle alterations in the glycome of tumor cells and to interfere in tumor/healthy cell interactions remains largely unknown. The present article reports for the first time that the Helix pomatia (HPA) lectin, a well-known T/Tn-specific lectin, currently used as a tool in cancer diagnostics, kills Tn-positive leukemia cells and Tn-negative lymphoma cells but does not affect healthy lymphocytes. Thus, HPA could be used to discriminate between tumor and healthy cells, and detect subtle alterations in the glycosylation profile.

Abstract

Morniga G is a T/Tn-specific lectin, inducing cell death in Tn-positive leukemias but not in healthy lymphocytes. Helix pomatia lectin (HPA) is another T/Tn-specific lectin, currently used as tool for cancer diagnostics. The HPA-mediated tumor cell death was evaluated on human leukemia and mouse lymphoma cells, and compared to the effect of Morniga G. Both lectins induced an equivalent percentage of cell death in Tn-positive Jurkat human leukemia. In contrast, EL4 mouse lymphoma resisted Morniga G-mediated cytotoxicity but were killed by HPA at concentrations of 2.5 μg/mL (0.032 nM) and higher. In both malignant cells, HPA-mediated cell death showed features compatible with apoptosis (annexin-externalization, caspase-activation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and ROS production). Cytometry analysis indicated that EL4 cells are T/Tn-negative. Because previous results showed a high amount of N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc, sugar present in Tn antigen) on EL4 cell surface, this GalNAc could be involved in the formation of truncated O-glycans other than the T/Tn residues. When compared to Morniga G, bioinformatic analysis suggested that HPA benefits from an extended carbohydrate-binding site, better adapted than Morniga G to the accommodation of more complex branched and truncated O-glycans (such as core 2). Finally, HPA killed EL4 cells but not healthy lymphocytes in a mixture of lymphoma cells + lymphocytes, suggesting that HPA selectively triggers tumor cell death.

The unpredictable carbon nanotube biocorona and a functionalization method to prevent protein biofouling

Background

The intrinsic physicochemical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) make them unique tools in nanotechnology. Their elemental composition, resilience, thermal properties, and surface reactivity make CNTs also of undisputed interest in biotechnology. In particular, their extraordinary ability to capture biomolecules on their surface makes them essential in this field. The proteins adsorbed on the CNTs create a biological coating that endows them the ability to interact with some cell receptors, penetrate membranes or interfere with cell biomechanics, thus behaving as an active bio-camouflage. But some of these proteins unfold, triggering an immune response that unpredictably changes the biological activity of CNTs. For this reason, the control of the biocorona is fundamental in the nanobiotechnology of CNTs.

Results

Using TEM and AFM here we demonstrate a significant increase in CNTs diameter after protein functionalization. A quantitative analysis using TGA revealed that between 20 and 60% of the mass of functionalized nanotubes corresponds to protein, with single-walled CNTs capturing the highest amounts. To qualitatively/quantitatively characterize these biocoatings, we studied the biochemical "landscape" of the proteins captured by the different nanotubes after functionalization under various conditions. This study revealed a significant variability of the proteins in the corona as a function of the type of nanotube, the functionalization temperature, or the time after exposure to serum. Remarkably, the functionalization of a single type of CNT with sera from various human donors also resulted in different protein landscapes. Given the unpredictable assortment of proteins captured by the corona and the biological implications of this biocoating, we finally designed a method to genetically engineer and produce proteins to functionalize nanotubes in a controlled and customizable way.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the high unpredictability of the spontaneous protein corona on CNTs and propose a versatile functionalization technique that prevents the binding of nonspecific proteins to the nanotube to improve the use of CNTs in biomedical applications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-00872-x.

Immune efficacy of carbon nanotubes recombinant subunit vaccine against largemouth bass ulcerative syndrome virus

Largemouth bass ulcerative syndrome virus (LBUSV) is an important virus induce the mortality of largemouth bass (Micropterus Salmoides). In this study, we reported a single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) containing LBUSV major capsid protein (MCP) subunit vaccine (SWCNTs-MCP) which was evaluated for its protective effect on largemouth bass by immersion immunization. We found an elevation in serum antibody levels, enzyme activities, complement C3 content and immune-related genes (IgM, TGF-β, IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and CD4) expression, in the SWCNTs-MCP immunized groups compared with the pure MCP group. The survival rates for control group, pure MCP protein groups (40 mg L^-1) and four SWCNTs-MCP groups (5 mg L^-1, 10 mg L^-1, 20 mg L^-1 and 40 mg L^-1) were 0%, 27.78%, 30.56%, 50.00%, 66.67% and 80.56%, respectively. The results suggests that with the assistance of SWCNTs, the immune protection of the SWCNTs-MCP group (40 mg L^-1) increased up 52.78%-80.1% compared with pure MCP group (40 mg L^-1). Our results demonstrate that the single-walled carbon nanotube subunit vaccine can be used as a new immunization method against LBUSV showing protection following challenge with LBUSV. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the single-walled carbon nanotube subunit vaccine can be used as a new method against LBUSV and have a high immune protection during the largemouth bass farm.

Carbon nanotubes-loaded subunit vaccine can increase protective immunity against rhabdovirus infections of largemouth bass (Micropterus Salmoides)

Micropterus Salmoides rhabdovirus (MSRV), as a common aquatic animal virus, can cause lethal and epidemic diseases in the cultivation of largemouth bass. In this study, we reported a kind of immersion single-walled carbon nanotubes-loaded subunit vaccine which composited by glycoprotein (G) of MSRV, and evaluated its protective effect on largemouth bass. The results showed that a stronger immune response including serum antibody levels, enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and total antioxidant capacity), complement C3 content and immune-related genes (IgM, TGF-β, IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, CD4) expression can be induced obviously with single-walled carbon nanotubes-glycoprotein (SWCNTs-G) groups compared with G groups when largemouth bass were vaccinated. After bath immunization with G or SWCNTs-G for 28 days, fish were challenged with a lethal dose of MSRV. The survival rates for control group (PBS), SWCNTs group (40 mg L^-1), pure G protein groups (40 mg L^-1) and three SWCNTs-G groups (5 mg L^-1, 10 mg L^-1 and 40 mg L^-1) were 0%, 0%, 39.5%, 36.7%, 43.6%and 70.1%, respectively. Importantly, with the assistance of SWCNTs, the immune protective rate of the SWCNTs-G group (40 mg L^-1) increased by approximately 30.6%. This study suggested that SWCNTs-G is a promising immersion subunit vaccine candidate against the death caused by MSRV.

SS, Paggi M, Bordas SP. Advances in Carbon Based Nanomaterials for Bio-Medical Applications

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The unique mechanical, electrical, thermal, chemical and optical properties of carbon based nanomaterials (CBNs) like: Fullerenes, Graphene, Carbon nanotubes, and their derivatives made them widely used materials for various applications including biomedicine. Few recent applications of the CBNs in biomedicine include: cancer therapy, targeted drug delivery, bio-sensing, cell and tissue imaging and regenerative medicine. However, functionalization renders the toxicity of CBNs and makes them soluble in several solvents including water, which is required for biomedical applications. Hence, this review represents the complete study of development in nanomaterials of carbon for biomedical uses. Especially, CBNs as the vehicles for delivering the drug in carbon nanomaterials is described in particular. The computational modeling approaches of various CBNs are also addressed. Furthermore, prospectus, issues and possible challenges of this rapidly developing field are highlighted.

A nano-sandwich construct built with graphene nanosheets and carbon nanotubes enhances mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite-polyetheretherketone scaffolds

A nano-sandwich construct was built by combining two-dimensional graphene nanosheets (GNSs) and one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to improve the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite–polyetheretherketone (HAP–PEEK) scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. In this nano-sandwich construct, the long tubular CNTs penetrated the interlayers of graphene and prevented their aggregation, increasing the effective contact area between the construct and matrix. The combination of GNSs and CNTs in a weight ratio of 2:8 facilitated the dispersion of each other and provided a synergetic effect in enhancing the mechanical properties. The compressive strength and modulus of the scaffolds were increased by 63.58% and 56.54% at this time compared with those of HAP–PEEK scaffolds, respectively. The carbon-based fillers, pulling out and bridging, were also clearly observed in the matrix. Moreover, the dangling of CNTs and their entangling with GNSs further reinforced the mechanical properties. Furthermore, apatite layer formed on the scaffold surface after immersing in simulated body fluid, and the cells attached and spread well on the surface of the scaffolds and displayed good viability, proliferation, and differentiation. These evidence indicate that the HAP–PEEK scaffolds enhanced by GNSs and CNTs are a promising alternative for bone tissue engineering.

Real-time and label free determination of ligand binding-kinetics to primary cancer tissue specimens; a novel tool for the assessment of biomarker targeting

In clinical oncology, diagnosis and evaluation of optimal treatment strategies are mostly based on histopathological examination combined with immunohistochemical (IHC) expression analysis of cancer-associated antigens in formalin fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue biopsies. However, informative IHC analysis depends on both the specificity and affinity of the binding reagent, which are inherently difficult to quantify in situ. Here we describe a label-free method that allows for the direct and real-time assessment of molecular binding kinetics in situ on FFPE tissue specimens using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) enabled biosensor technology. We analysed the interaction between the rVAR2 protein and its placental-like chondroitin sulfate (pl-CS) receptor in primary human placenta tissue and in breast and prostate tumour specimens in situ. rVAR2 interacted with FFPE human placenta and cancer tissue with an affinity in the nanomolar range, and showed no detectable interaction with pl-CS negative normal tissue. We further validated the method by including analysis with the androgen receptor N-20 antibody (anti-AR). As the K_D value produced by this method is independent of the number of epitopes available, this readout offers a quantitative and unbiased readout for in situ binding-avidity and amount of binding epitopes. In summary, this method adds a new and important dimension to classical IHC-based molecular pathology by adding information about the binding characteristics in biologically relevant conditions. This can potentially be used to select optimal biologics for diagnostic and for therapeutic applications as well as guide the development of novel high affinity binding drugs.

Carbon nanotubes part I: preparation of a novel and versatile drug-delivery vehicle

INTRODUCTION

It is 23 years since carbon allotrope known as carbon nanotubes (CNT) was discovered by Iijima, who described them as "rolled graphite sheets inserted into each other". Since then, CNTs have been studied in nanoelectronic devices. However, CNTs also possess the versatility to act as drug- and gene-delivery vehicles.

AREAS COVERED

This review covers the synthesis, purification and functionalization of CNTs. Arc discharge, laser ablation and chemical vapor deposition are the principle synthesis methods. Non-covalent functionalization relies on attachment of biomolecules by coating the CNT with surfactants, synthetic polymers and biopolymers. Covalent functionalization often involves the initial introduction of carboxylic acids or amine groups, diazonium addition, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition or reductive alkylation. The aim is to produce functional groups to attach the active cargo.

EXPERT OPINION

In this review, the feasibility of CNT being used as a drug-delivery vehicle is explored. The molecular composition of CNT is extremely hydrophobic and highly aggregation-prone. Therefore, most of the efforts towards drug delivery has centered on chemical functionalization, which is usually divided in two categories; non-covalent and covalent. The biomedical applications of CNT are growing apace, and new drug-delivery technologies play a major role in these efforts.

Study of the interaction of trastuzumab and SKOV3 epithelial cancer cells using a quartz crystal microbalance sensor

Analytical methods founded upon whole cell-based assays are of importance in early stage drug development and in fundamental studies of biomolecular recognition. Here we have studied the binding of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) on human ovary adenocarcinoma epithelial cancer cells (SKOV3) using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technology. An optimized procedure for immobilizing the cells on the chip surface was established with respect to fixation procedure and seeding density. Trastuzumab binding to the cell decorated sensor surface was studied, revealing a mean dissociation constant, K_D, value of 7 ± 1 nM (standard error of the mean). This study provides a new perspective on the affinity of the antibody-receptor complex presented a more natural context compared to purified receptors. These results demonstrate the potential for using whole cell-based QCM assay in drug development, the screening of HER2 selective antibody-based drug candidates, and for the study of biomolecular recognition. This real time, label free approach for studying interactions with target receptors present in their natural environment afforded sensitive and detailed kinetic information about the binding of the analyte to the target.

Release behaviour and toxicity evaluation of levodopa from carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes

This work explores the potential use of commercially obtained, carboxylated, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT-COOH) as nanocarriers for the antiparkinson drug, levodopa (LD). The resulting nanohybrid was characterized using materials characterization methods including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, elemental analysis, UV-vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that SWCNT-COOH were able to form supramolecular complexes with LD via a π-π stacking interaction and exhibited favourable, slow, sustained-release characteristics as a drug carrier with a release period over more than 20 h. The results obtained from the drug release studies of LD at different pH values showed that the LD-loaded nanohybrid is pH activated. The release kinetics of LD from SWCNT-COOH were well-described by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. A cytotoxicity assay of the synthesized nanohybrid was also carried out in PC12 cell lines (a widely used, in vitro Parkinson's model for neurotoxicity studies) using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in order to investigate their possible effects on normal neuronal cells in vitro. It was found that the synthesized nanohybrid did not compromise the cell viability and the PC12 cells remained stable throughout the experiments up to 72 h after treatment.

Stealth nanotubes: strategies of shielding carbon nanotubes to evade opsonization and improve biodistribution

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have recently been in the limelight for their potential role in disease diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as in tissue engineering. Before these medical applications can be realized, there is a need to address issues like opsonization, phagocytosis by macrophages, and sequestration to the liver and spleen for eventual elimination from the body; along with equally important issues such as aqueous solubility, dispersion, biocompatibility, and biofunctionalization. CNTs have not been shown to be able to evade such biological obstacles, which include their nonspecific attachments to cells and other biological components in the bloodstream, before reaching target tissues and cells in vivo. This will eventually determine their longevity in circulation and clearance rate from the body. This review article discusses the current status, challenges, practical strategies, and implementations of coating CNTs with biocompatible and opsonin-resistant moieties, rendering CNTs transparent to opsonins and deceiving the innate immune response to make believe that the CNTs are not foreign. A holistic approach to the development of such "stealth" CNTs is presented, which encompasses not only several biophysicochemical factors that are not limited to surface treatment of CNTs, but also extraneous biological factors such as the protein corona formation that inevitably controls the in vivo fate of the particles. This review also discusses the present and potential applications, along with the future directions, of CNTs and their hybrid-based nanotheranostic agents for multiplex, multimodal molecular imaging and therapy, as well as in other applications, such as drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Carbon nanotubes: an emerging drug carrier for targeting cancer cells

During recent years carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been attracted by many researchers as a drug delivery carrier. CNTs are the third allotropic form of carbon-fullerenes which were rolled into cylindrical tubes. To be integrated into the biological systems, CNTs can be chemically modified or functionalised with therapeutically active molecules by forming stable covalent bonds or supramolecular assemblies based on noncovalent interactions. Owing to their high carrying capacity, biocompatibility, and specificity to cells, various cancer cells have been explored with CNTs for evaluation of pharmacokinetic parameters, cell viability, cytotoxicty, and drug delivery in tumor cells. This review attempts to highlight all aspects of CNTs which render them as an effective anticancer drug carrier and imaging agent. Also the potential application of CNT in targeting metastatic cancer cells by entrapping biomolecules and anticancer drugs has been covered in this review.

Taking a deep look: modern microscopy technologies to optimize the design and functionality of biocompatible scaffolds for tissue engineering in regenerative medicine

This review focuses on modern nonlinear optical microscopy (NLOM) methods that are increasingly being used in the field of tissue engineering (TE) to image tissue non-invasively and without labelling in depths unreached by conventional microscopy techniques. With NLOM techniques, biomaterial matrices, cultured cells and their produced extracellular matrix may be visualized with high resolution. After introducing classical imaging methodologies such as µCT, MRI, optical coherence tomography, electron microscopy and conventional microscopy two-photon fluorescence (2-PF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging are described in detail (principle, power, limitations) together with their most widely used TE applications. Besides our own cell encapsulation, cell printing and collagen scaffolding systems and their NLOM imaging the most current research articles will be reviewed. These cover imaging of autofluorescence and fluorescence-labelled tissue and biomaterial structures, SHG-based quantitative morphometry of collagen I and other proteins, imaging of vascularization and online monitoring techniques in TE. Finally, some insight is given into state-of-the-art three-photon-based imaging methods (e.g. coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering, third harmonic generation). This review provides an overview of the powerful and constantly evolving field of multiphoton microscopy, which is a powerful and indispensable tool for the development of artificial tissues in regenerative medicine and which is likely to gain importance also as a means for general diagnostic medical imaging.

Nanomaterials in the application of tumor vaccines: advantages and disadvantages

Tumor vaccines are a novel approach to the treatment of malignancy, and are attracting the attention of the medical profession. Nanomaterials have significant advantages in the preparation of a tumor vaccine, including their ability to penetrate and target cancer tissue and their antigenic properties. In this review, we focus on several nanomaterials, ie, carbon nanotubes, nanoemulsions, nanosized aluminum, and nanochitosan. Applications for these nanomaterials in nanovaccines and their biological characteristics, as well as their potential toxicity, are discussed.

One-pot synthesis of magnetic, macro/mesoporous bioactive glasses for bone tissue engineering

Magnetic and macro/mesoporous bioactive glasses were synthesized by a one-pot method via a handy salt leaching technique. It was identified to be an effective and simple synthetic strategy. The non-ionic triblock copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (P123), was used as the structure directing agent for mesoporous structure but also as the reductant to reduce the iron source into magnetic iron oxide. The prepared materials exhibited excellent super-paramagnetic property with interconnected macroporous (200-300 μm) and mesoporous (3.4 nm) structure. Furthermore, their outstanding drug storage/release properties and rapid (5) induction of hydroxyapatite growth ability were investigated after immersing in simulated body fluid solution at 37 °C. Notably, the biocompatibility assessment confirmed that the materials obtained presented good biocompatibility and enhanced adherence of HeLa cells. Herein, the novel materials are expected to have potential application for bone tissue engineering.

Conjugation of quantum dots on carbon nanotubes for medical diagnosis and treatment

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and early detection provides the best possible prognosis for cancer patients. Nanotechnology is the branch of engineering that deals with the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. This area of science has the potential to help identify cancerous cells and to destroy them by various methods such as drug delivery or thermal treatment of cancer. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) and quantum dots (QDs) are the two nanoparticles, which have received considerable interest in view of their application for diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Fluorescent nanoparticles known as QDs are gaining momentum as imaging molecules with life science and clinical applications. Clinically they can be used for localization of cancer cells due to their nano size and ability to penetrate individual cancer cells and high-resolution imaging derived from their narrow emission bands compared with organic dyes. CNTs are of interest to the medical community due to their unique properties such as the ability to deliver drugs to a site of action or convert optical energy into thermal energy. By attaching antibodies that bind specifically to tumor cells, CNTs can navigate to malignant tumors. Once at the tumor site, the CNTs enter into the cancer cells by penetration or endocytosis, allowing drug release, and resulting in specific cancer cell death. Alternatively, CNTs can be exposed to near-infrared light in order to thermally destroy the cancer cells. The amphiphilic nature of CNTs allows them to penetrate the cell membrane and their large surface area (in the order of 2600 m²/g) allows drugs to be loaded into the tube and released once inside the cancer cell. Many research laboratories, including our own, are investigating the conjugation of QDs to CNTs to allow localization of the cancer cells in the patient, by imaging with QDs, and subsequent cell killing, via drug release or thermal treatment. This is an area of huge interest and future research and therapy will focus on the multimodality of nanoparticles. In this review, we seek to explore the biomedical applications of QDs conjugated to CNTs, with a particular emphasis on their use as therapeutic platforms in oncology.

Formation and resuscitation of viable but nonculturable Salmonella typhi

Salmonella typhi is a pathogen that causes the human disease of typhoid fever. The aim of this study was to investigate the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state of S. typhi. Some samples were stimulated at 4°C or −20°C, while others were induced by different concentrations of CuSO₄. Total cell counts remained constant throughout several days by acridine orange direct counting; however, plate counts declined to undetectable levels within 48 hours by plate counting at −20°C. The direct viable counts remained fairly constant at this level by direct viable counting. Carbon and nitrogen materials slowly decreased which indicated that a large population of cells existed in the VBNC state and entered the VBNC state in response to exposure to 0.01 or 0.015 mmol/L CuSO₄ for more than 14 or 12 days, respectively. Adding 3% Tween 20 or 1% catalase enabled cells to become culturable again, with resuscitation times of 48 h and 24 h, respectively. The atomic force microscope results showed that cells gradually changed in shape from short rods to coccoids, and decreased in size when they entered the VBNC state. Further animal experiments suggested that resuscitated cells might regain pathogenicity.

Carbon nanotube interaction with extracellular matrix proteins producing scaffolds for tissue engineering

In recent years, significant progress has been made in organ transplantation, surgical reconstruction, and the use of artificial prostheses to treat the loss or failure of an organ or bone tissue. In recent years, considerable attention has been given to carbon nanotubes and collagen composite materials and their applications in the field of tissue engineering due to their minimal foreign-body reactions, an intrinsic antibacterial nature, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the ability to be molded into various geometries and forms such as porous structures, suitable for cell ingrowth, proliferation, and differentiation. Recently, grafted collagen and some other natural and synthetic polymers with carbon nanotubes have been incorporated to increase the mechanical strength of these composites. Carbon nanotube composites are thus emerging as potential materials for artificial bone and bone regeneration in tissue engineering.

Synergistic photothermal ablative effects of functionalizing carbon nanotubes with a POSS-PCU nanocomposite polymer

BACKGROUND

The application of nanotechnology in biology and medicine represents a significant paradigm shift in the approach to the treatment of cancer. Evidence suggests that when exposed to near-infrared radiation (NIR), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dissipate a substantial amount of heat energy. We have developed a novel nanocomposite polymer, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane poly (carbonate-urea) urethane (POSS-PCU). POSS-PCU displays excellent biocompatibility and has been used in making artificial organs as well as protective coatings for medical devices.

RESULTS

Functionalizing (or "coating") CNTs with POSS-PCU confers biocompatibility and increase the amount of heat energy generated, by enhancing dispersion. Here we demonstrate that POSS-PCU-functionalized multi-walled CNTs (MWNTs) act synergistically together when exposed to NIR to thermally ablate cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Given that POSS-PCU has already been used in human in first-in-man studies as trachea, lacrimal duct, bypass graft and other organs, our long-term goal is to take POSS-PCU coated CNTs to clinical studies to address the treatment of cancer by optimizing its therapeutic index and increasing its specificity via antibody conjugation.