Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for Biomedical Imaging: The Recent Advances

Abstract

The chapter summarizes recent advancements in the applicability of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes (fCNTs) in biomedical imaging. In the ever-expanding area of imaging techniques, the development of molecular contrast agents enabling visual assessment of biological, structural, and functional information is an ongoing process. These non-destructive and non-invasive methods protect the specimen while also carrying a plethora of information. Various Nano-technological instruments are inexplicably employed as molecular probes, opening the door for smart and Theragnostic action modules. Carbon nanotubes, both single-walled (SWCNT) and multi-walled (MWCNT), are a key class of synthetic nanostructures sought in virtually every conceivable field of application because of their remarkable characteristics. It has advanced to the point that it is now a promising imaging tool with extensive medical research. fCNTs have the potential to be used in a wide range of biological applications. This chapter describes a method for imaging biological subjects in vitro and in vivo utilizing the inherent photo physical characteristics of fCNTs, which involves a large number of components to match the current situation of multiplexed and multimodal imaging and a brief review of different optical methods that use them as contrast agents is provided with regards to the recent advances in the field.