Biomedical Applications of Nanodiamonds: An Overview

Abstract

Nanodiamonds are a novel class of nanomaterials which have raised much attention for application in biomedical field, as they combine the possibility of being produced on large scale using relatively inexpensive synthetic processes, of being fluorescent as a consequence of the presence of nitrogen vacancies, of having their surfaces functionalized, and of having good biocompatibility. Among other applications, we mainly focus on drug delivery, including cell interaction, targeting, cancer therapy, gene and protein delivery. In addition, nanodiamonds for bone and dental implants and for antibacterial use is discussed. Techniques for detection and imaging of nanodiamonds in biological tissues are also reviewed, including electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, Raman mapping, atomic force microscopy, thermal imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography, either in vitro, in vivo, or ex vivo. Toxicological aspects related to the use of nanodiamonds are also discussed. Finally, patents, preclinical and clinical trials based on the use of nanodiamonds for biomedical applications are reviewed.

Dental Applications of Nanodiamonds

“…[1][2][3][4] In recent years, significant amount of research has been conducted to harness the excellent mechanical and biological properties of carbon-based nano-particles. Graphene oxide [5][6][7] , carbon nanotubes [8][9][10] and nanodiamonds [11][12][13][14] have been studied for possible applications in dentistry as well as medicine. Nanodiamonds (NDs) were first developed by scientists in the USSR during the 1960s and revealed to the public during the mid '80s.…”

“…15 NDs can be synthesized via detonation, chemical vapors deposition, ultrasonic cavitation, irradiation with pulsed lasers and application of high temperature / high pressure (HTHP). 12,[15][16][17] As shown in Figure 1, apart from the route of synthesis, NDs are also classified according to their size: nanocrystalline particles (1 to150 nm), ultra-nanocrystalline particles (2 to 10 nm), and diamondoids (1 to 2 nm). 15,18 A schematic diagram of a nanodiamond crystal is shown in Figure 2.…”

“…A 'surface shell' composed of graphite surrounds an 'inert core' which is primarily made of diamond. 12 Unlike the inert core which is stable, the surface layer of ND is There are various uses of NDs in medicine. Due to their target specificity, anti-bacterial properties and small size, they are primarily used as carriers for: chemotherapeutic anticancerous agents and anti-bacterial drugs.…”

“…80,81 As illustrated in Figure 4, Ability of NDs to carry drugs and release them in acidic cancer tissues makes them ideal carriers of anti-cancer agents. 12,15 Effective administration against breast cancer tissues indicate that NDs could be used in hydrogels to deliver doxorubicin to oral cancer lesions. 82,83 An adjunct administration of NDdelivered drugs to conventional anti-cancer treatment could have a synergistic effect on the outcome.…”

Nanomedicine in Central Nervous System (CNS) Disorders: A Present and Future Prospective

“…54 Diamond nanoparticles also used as an important therapeutic tool in tumor patches and wound healing. 108 Fullerene has uniquely identified a class of carbon allotropes which described as 60 linked carbon with 60 vertices and 32 faces. 109 The extensive research on nanosized C60 have identified its use in drug delivery.…”