Carbon Nanotube–Liposome Complexes in Hydrogels for Controlled Drug Delivery via Near-Infrared Laser Stimulation

Abstract

Externally controllable drug delivery systems are crucial for a variety of biological applications where the dosage and timing of drug delivery need to be adjusted based on disease diagnosis and progression. Here, we have developed an externally controllable drug delivery system by combining three extensively used platforms: hydrogels, liposomes, and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). We have developed carbon nanotube–liposome complexes (CLCs) and incorporated these structures into a 3D alginate hydrogel for use as an optically controlled drug delivery system. The CLC structures were characterized by using a variety of imaging and spectroscopic techniques, and an optimal SWCNT/lipid ratio was selected. The optimal CLCs were loaded with a model drug (FITC-Dex), incorporated into a hydrogel, and their release profile was studied. It was shown that release of the drug cargo can be triggered by using an NIR laser stimulation tuned to the optical resonance of a particular SWCNT species. It was further shown that the amount of released cargo can be tuned by varying the NIR stimulation time. This system demonstrates the externally controlled delivery of drug cargo and can be used for different applications including cancer chemotherapy delivery.

Safety and Toxicity Issues of Therapeutically Used Nanoparticles from the Oral Route

“…A variety of carbon-based NPs including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanohorns, and graphene oxide have been developed for oral administration. CNTs are cylindrical structures that belong to the fullerene family and may be constructed as single-walled CNTs or multiple-walled CNTs [85]. CNTs take advantages such as high surface area, conductivity, tensile strength, and potential absorption capabilities [86].…”

Application of Green Gold Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy and Diagnosis

“…In this context, the integration of nanoscience and pharmaceutical science can pave the way for a significant change in medical science, including establishing drug delivery systems for the targeted therapy of cancer. Numerous nanostructures, such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), dendrimers, liposomes, and micelles, are often used as delivery vehicles for targeted and controlled drugs [ 15 , 16 ]. Size, shape, hydrophobicity, surface properties, and other physicochemical characteristics of these drug delivery vehicles have affected their efficiency in drug delivery [ 17 ].…”

Aggregation Reduces Subcellular Localization and Cytotoxicity of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

“…Additionally, SWCNTs are intriguing for use in the field of intracellular biosensing and imaging due to their one-dimensional structure and diversity of species known as chiralities. , Unprocessed SWCNTs are intrinsically hydrophobic and must first be complexed with either surfactants , or other amphiphilic molecules , to be dispersed in aqueous solutions and increase colloidal stability. , In biomedical applications, single-stranded DNA has been shown to solubilize SWCNTs via π-stacking and hydrophobic interactions, producing DNA–SWCNT hybrid nanomaterials with substantially enhanced biocompatibility . These DNA–SWCNT complexes have been incorporated into biomaterials, , introduced into biological fluids, , and immobilized in high-resolution imaging substrates as biosensors to detect various physiological processes. Moreover, DNA–SWCNTs can be internalized by cells via active endocytosis, where their optical properties can be employed to investigate specific cellular processes , and detect intracellular biomolecules. , …”

“…17,18 In biomedical applications, single-stranded DNA has been shown to solubilize SWCNTs via π-stacking and hydrophobic inter-actions, 19 producing DNA−SWCNT hybrid nanomaterials with substantially enhanced biocompatibility. 20 These DNA− SWCNT complexes have been incorporated into biomaterials, 21,22 introduced into biological fluids, 23,24 and immobilized in high-resolution imaging substrates 25 as biosensors to detect various physiological processes. Moreover, DNA− SWCNTs can be internalized by cells via active endocytosis, 26 where their optical properties can be employed to investigate specific cellular processes 27,28 and detect intracellular biomolecules.…”