Nanotubos de carbono aplicados às neurociências: Perspectivas e desafios

Abstract

Background: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are the most promising nanomaterials for therapeutic application in neurodegenerative diseases. Potential applications include systems for controlled drug delivery, electrical interfaces and substrates for cell growth. Objective: To describe the state of art, prospects and challenges of applying CNTs in neuroscience. Methods: There has been systematic search in Medline, Lilacs and SciELO, using the keywords "carbon nanotubes", "drug delivery", "electrical interface", "tissue regeneration", "neuroscience", "nanotechnology" and "biocompatibility", properly grouped. Results: The literature review showed controversies in studies on the biocompatibility of CNTs, although it has ratified its potential for neuromedicine and neuroscience. Discussion: These results highlight the need for modeling studies on the applications and interactions of nanostructures with biological systems.