Carbon nanotubes for cancer therapy

Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical fullerene (giant carbon molecule). They are mechanically strong and electrically semiconducting. They can be used for cancer treatment. When carbon nanotubes are exposed to near infrared (NIR) radiation, heats up to 350 K. This property is used in cancer therapy. Folic acid adsorbed on carbon nanotubes can provide specific binding to cancer affected cells.  Upon proper NIR radiation, these cells can be destroyed. Bucky balls or spherical fullerenes are also used for cancer treatment. Derivatives of fullerenes have good biocompatibility and extremely low toxicity. These properties make it a good pharmaceutical agent. Fullerene derivatives are found to be effective against human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus and antibacterial agents such as streptococcus, mycobacterium tuberculosis and Escherichia coli. Fullerene derivatives are also  used for the treatment of tumors, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.