Carbon Nanotubes as Nanovectors for Intracellular Delivery

Abstract

Carbon nanostructures (CNSs) can be efficiently up-taken by cells and this allowed their use as vectors. So with an opportune functionalization it is possible to immobilized on CNSs various compounds, from small molecules till proteins and oligonucleotides, and efficiently deliver those units into cells. The presence of CNSs can ameliorate the efficiency of the uptake, and at the same time can also contribute to protect the delivered molecules from degradation. We will explore some examples of effective use of CNSs for this purpouse.