CNT nanobombs for specific eradication of cancer cells: A new concept in cancer theranostics

Abstract

Whole extermination of cancerous cells/tissue seems no longer to be a dream. Exploiting advanced photoactive nanomaterials such as functionalized fullerenes and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can act as CNT nanobombs (CNT-NBs) when exposed to the near infrared (NIR) radiation. PEGylated CNTs tagged with an antibody/aptamer can target cancer cells. Once attached to cancer cells, the NIR emission (700-1100 nm), in which body tissues are mostly transparent, can be applied to CNT-NBs which can absorb the light and get heated up. The resultant enhanced temperature can abolish the cancer. Once stealth CNT-NBs are tagged with imaging moieties, it would be a matter of computer gaming for physician who can inject it for real time visualization and destruction of cancer by activation of the NIR laser. While, many nanosystems (NSs) are still in waiting list for clinical translation, our dreams may come true by applying stealth CNT-NBs against cancer. © 2011 by Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.