In vivo immunological toxicity in mice of carbon nanotubes with impurities

The longstanding question as to whether carbon nanotubes are intrinsically toxic hinders their widespread industrial application. Here, we clarify the effect of impurities within such tubes through systemic studies of immunological responses in mice by monitoring and examining changes in peripheral T-cell subset and peripheral cytokine levels and histology. Contaminated and clean tubes were subcutaneously implanted in mice. The implanted tubes with impurities clearly induced immunological toxicity and localized alopecia, whereas extremely pure implanted tubes showed good biocompatibility. Our studies suggest that such high-temperature thermal treatment is an effective way to improve the biocompatibility of carbon nanotube. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.