Surface Modification of Nanodiamonds

Nanodiamonds (NDs) are biocompatible and noncytotoxic, composed entirely of carbon atoms. It is essential to comprehend the surface modification of NDs and the factors affecting the colloidal stability. This chapter describes three strategies for ND surface modification, including functionalization, encapsulation, and bioconjugation. Due to their chemical inertness, NDs should undergo essential surface functionalization procedures before being used in practical applications. To efficiently eliminate these impurities and residual chemical components, researchers use powerful oxidative acids to treat as-formed ND materials. The chapter summarizes some organic and biological molecules attached to NDs via covalent or noncovalent interaction. Surface-modified NDs could assist in the adsorption or conjugation of various biomolecules, resulting in diverse applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. Some of the most attractive applications relate to the use of NDs as bactericidal agents, biomolecule transporters, enzyme immobilization substrates, and supports for solid-phase extraction.