Carbon Nanotubes: A Summary of Beneficial and Dangerous Aspects of an Increasingly Popular Group of Nanomaterials

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanomaterials with broad applications that are produced on a large scale. Animal experiments have shown that exposure to CNTs, especially one type of multi-walled carbon nanotube, MWCNT-7, can lead to malignant transformation. CNTs have characteristics similar to asbestos (size, shape, and biopersistence) and use the same molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways as those involved in asbestos tumorigenesis. Here, a comprehensive review of the characteristics of carbon nanotubes is provided, as well as insights that may assist in the design and production of safer nanomaterials to limit the hazards of currently used CNTs.

Automated summary

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely used nanomaterials produced on a large scale, but exposure to them, especially one type called MWCNT-7, can cause malignant transformation. CNTs share characteristics and carcinogenic mechanisms with asbestos, highlighting the need for safer nanomaterials to reduce the hazards associated with current CNT usage.