Carbon Nanotubes: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are allotropes of carbon with a nanostructure that can have a length-to-diameter ratio greater than 1,000,000. These cylindrical carbon molecules have novel properties that make them potentially useful in many applications in nanotechnology. Their unique surface area, stiffness, strength and resilience have led to much excitement in pharmacy [17-20]. Nanotubes are categorized as single-walled nanotubes and multiple-walled nanotubes. Techniques have been developed to produce nanotubes in sizeable quantities, including arc discharge, laser ablation, chemical vapour deposition, silane solution method and flame synthesis method. The properties and characteristics of CNTs are still being researched heavily and scientists have barely begun to tap the potential of these structures. They can pass through membranes, carrying therapeutic drugs, vaccines and nucleic acids deep into the cell to targets previously unreachable.