Biocompatibility and applications of carbon nanotubes in medical nanorobots

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Authors: Andrei M Popov, Yurii E Lozovik, Silvana Fiorito, L’Hocine Yahia

Published Date October 2007 Volume 2007:2(3) Pages 361 - 372

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S

Andrei M Popov¹, Yurii E Lozovik¹, Silvana Fiorito^2,3, L’Hocine Yahia⁴

¹Institute of Spectroscopy, Troitsk, Moscow region, 142190, Russia; ²Dept. of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza-CNR, Rome, Italy; ³Laboratoire des Colloides,Verres et Nanomateriaux, University of Montpellier II-CNRS, Montpellier, France; ⁴Laboratory for Innovation and Analysis of Bioperformances (LIAB), Biomedical Engineering Institute, Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, Canada

Abstract: The set of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) based on relative motion of carbon nanotubes walls is proposed for use in medical nanorobots. This set includes electromechanical nanothermometer, jet nanoengine, nanosyringe (the last can be used simultaneously as nanoprobe for individual biological molecules and drug nanodeliver). Principal schemes of these NEMS are considered. Operational characteristics of nanothermometer are analyzed. The possible methods of these NEMS actuation are considered. The present-day progress in nanotechnology techniques which are necessary for assembling of NEMS under consideration is discussed. Biocompatibility of carbon nanotubes is analyzed in connection with perspectives of their application in nanomedicine.

Keywords: nanorobot, nanotube, NEMS, nanothermometer, biocompatibility