Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) Production, Characterisation and Its Applications

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are now well into their teenage years. Carbon nanotubes are allotropes of carbon with a nanostructure that can have a length-to-diameter ratio greater than 1,000,000. A variety of production methods for CNTs have been developed; chemical modification, functionalization, and characterization of individual CNTs is now possible. Breakthroughs for CNT-based technologies are anticipated in the areas of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and materials science. Their unique surface area, stiffness, strength and resilience have led to much excitement in the field of pharmacy. Nanotubes are categorized as single-walled nanotubes and multiple walled nanotubes. Techniques have been developed to produce nanotubes in sizeable quantities, including arc discharge, laser ablation, chemical vapor deposition, silane solution method and flame synthesis method. The properties and characteristics of CNTs are still being researched heavily and scientists have barely begun to tap the potential of these structures. They can pass through membranes, carrying therapeutic drugs, vaccines and nucleic acids deep into the cell to targets previously unreachable. In this article, I review the current situation in CNT production, characterisation and highlight the future applications in medicine. Keywords: CNTs, SWNT, MWNT, Nanomedicines.