STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Trends in Drug Delivery

Carbon Nanotubes: Revolutionizing Noval Drug Delivery Approach for Alzheimer's Disease

  1. Wasim Raza Ali Khan
  2. Meraj Khan

Abstract

The objective of the review was to comprehensively study the application of nanotechnology and investigate the potential of carbon nanotubes in serving as a drug delivery system to improve the condition of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease, characterized as an irreversible and progressive cerebral disorder, presents clinical manifestations such as dementia, cognitive decline, altered personality, impaired motor function, confusion, and diminished cognitive planning. The neurodegenerative processes inherent in Alzheimer's disease stem from the accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins, leading to the formation of plaques, and the entanglement of tau proteins, giving rise to tangles. These pathological hallmarks disrupt the normal functioning of neural cells within the brain. Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical nanostructures composed entirely of allotropes of carbon atoms meticulously arranged in hexagonal networks. These unique structures exhibit exceptional properties that make them promising candidates for drug delivery in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Their high drug-loading capacity, tunable surface chemistry, and ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB) render them attractive vehicles for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to the affected brain regions. CNTs possess a remarkable ability to encapsulate and carry a wide range of drugs, including small molecules, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids. The substantial drug-loading capacity of CNTs arises from two key factors: extensive surface area and robust van der Waals interactions between drug molecules and the CNT walls.

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