Mesoporous carbon in biomedicine: Modification strategies and biocompatibility

As a new inorganic material, mesoporous carbon (MCNs) nanomaterials integrate the advantages of a mesoporous structure and carbonaceous composition, and have shown superior properties compared with traditional mesoporous silica and other carbon-based materials, such as graphene, fullerene and carbon nanotube. However, the application of MCNs in biomedical field is limited due to its poor hydrophilicity and potential toxicity. Numerous attempts and much research have been made to improve the properties of MCNs by doping different heteroatoms or surface modification in its structural defects. Unfortunately, the question of why-how-what about biocompatible modified MCNs has not been summarized in any published report. We herein try to find answers to this important question. In this review, the modified strategies of MCNs nanomaterials and their effects on biocompatibility are discussed. In addition, the problems faced in preparing modified MCNs with low toxicity and safety are summarized. Finally, we present the challenges and opportunities in the development and clinical translations of this kind of nanomaterials. It is expected that this review will be widely useful for those who have been seeking new research directions in this field and for those who are about to start their studies in carbon nanocarrier-based drug delivery.

Automated summary

Mesoporous carbon (MCNs) nanomaterials, as a new inorganic material, combine the advantages of a mesoporous structure and carbonaceous composition, and have shown superior properties compared with traditional mesoporous silica and other carbon-based materials. However, their application in the biomedical field is limited due to poor hydrophilicity and potential toxicity. This review discusses the modified strategies of MCNs nanomaterials and their effects on biocompatibility, as well as the challenges and opportunities in developing and translating these nanomaterials.