Determinants of carbon nanotube toxicity

In the last few years questions have been raised regarding the potential toxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to humans and environment. It is believed that the physico-chemical characteristics of these materials are key determinants of CNT interaction with living organisms, and hence determine their...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advanced drug delivery reviews 2013-12, Vol.65 (15), p.2063-2069
Main Authors: Lanone, Sophie, Andujar, Pascal, Kermanizadeh, Ali, Boczkowski, Jorge
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Carbon nanotubes
Dimensions
Durability
Environmental Exposure - adverse effects
Human health and pathology
Humans
Life Sciences
Nanotubes, Carbon - adverse effects
Nanotubes, Carbon - chemistry
Particle Size
Protein corona
Pulmonology and respiratory tract
Surface Properties
Toxicity Tests - methods
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Summary:In the last few years questions have been raised regarding the potential toxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to humans and environment. It is believed that the physico-chemical characteristics of these materials are key determinants of CNT interaction with living organisms, and hence determine their toxicity. As for other nanomaterials, the most important of these characteristics are the length, diameter, surface area, tendency to agglomerate, bio-durability, presence and nature of catalyst residues as well as chemical functionalization of the CNT. This review highlights the recent advancements in the understanding of the CNT properties which are essential in determining CNT toxicity. Hence the focus is on CNT dimensions, surface properties, bio-durability and corona formation as these fields have evolved greatly in recent years. A deeper understanding of these events and their underlying mechanisms could provide a molecular explanation of the biological and physiological responses following CNT administration and therefore help in the development of safe by design materials. [Display omitted]
ISSN:0169-409X
1872-8294
DOI:10.1016/j.addr.2013.07.019