Carbon nanotubes: From bench chemistry to promising biomedical applications

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the terms nanotechnology and nanomaterials. Nanotechnology involves applying science through the use of nanomaterials, among which carbon nanotubes represent a fascinating example. In particular, carbon naotubes have garnered growing attention because of their promising applications in several biomedical fields, including cancer and gene therapy, vaccines and tissue engineering. At the same time, they have shown some evidence of hazardous effects that might undermine their widespread use in nanomedicine. This book represents a critical evaluation of the most recent discoveries about carbon nanotubes and includes a cautious description of their impact on personal health and environmental pollution. It also offers an overview of the main research groups around the world which have been focusing their efforts on the exploitation of this intriguing material, with the purpose of inspiring young scientists to follow their pathway. © 2011 by Pan Stanford Publishing Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.