Application of carbon nanotubes for cancer treatment

Abstract

There are two classifications of carbon nanotubes (CNT), firstly single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and secondly multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). CNTs have the ability of absorbing near infra-red light and generating heat along with the ability to deliver drugs to the site of action. Different application of CNT has so far studied on the in vitro and in vivo models. This thesis is looking into the application of SWCNT on different in vitro models. These models include human breast cancer cell line (MCF7), human colorectal cancer cell line (HT29 and SW480), human pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1) and mouse fibroblast cell line (3T3). In this research, the functionalization techniques of SWCNT have been investigated. In addition, a detailed observation on the application of SWCNT for thermal treatment and the delivery of anti-cancer drugs to the site of action has been obtained. The thesis also looks into conjugation techniques of other materials to the surface of SWCNT for the purpose of both directing the SWCNT to the site of action and tracking their movement through the cells. Finally yet importantly, a detailed investigation has been performed into the effect of SWCNT size and the conjugation of different functional groups to the SWCNT’s surface on its toxicity. From the results, it can be concluded that treating SWCNT in acid solution and further functionalization with OctaAmmonium-POSS will significantly increase the biocompatibility of the SWCNT. Using functionalized SWCNT could be used for the delivery of anticancer drugs to the site of action and thermal treatment of cancer. It has been demonstrated that attachment of QDs to the SWCNT’s surface can be used for tracking the SWCNT’s movement. Finally, it can be concluded that the smaller length SWCNT with a higher coating concentration of OctaAmmonium-POSS will decrease the toxicity of the SWCNT