Advanced Development of Carboxylic Acid Functionalized Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes as Safe Inhalation Drug Carrier

Background: Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) have innovative characteristic features strongly associated with nanotechnology and drug delivery applications. Objectives: The current work was performed with an objective to assess the inhalation toxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Methods: Functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes was carried out by the initial basic treatment with hydrochloric acid and nearly assessed by Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in comparison with pure multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The acute inhalation toxicity of these functionalized and pure multi-walled carbon nanotubes was assessed in Wistar rats. The parameters: hematology, liver function test, kidney function test, and histopathology observed, evaluated and interpreted for the toxicity study. Results: The functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and pure multi-walled carbon nanotubes were nearly assessed by IR spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and TEM. The assessments affirmed and anticipated that the pure multi-walled carbon nanotube undergoes successful functionalization. Results obtained showed a remarkable difference in the ranges of hemoglobin and platelet. The acute inhalation toxicity study did not show any toxicity of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes when compared to pure multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The results of acute inhalation toxicity studies did not show any significant changes also not demonstrated hazard potential in rats following acute exposures to the functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes and there is no significant toxicity. Because of basic treatment during functionalization all impurity gets removed. During functionalization addition of oxygen containing group and removal of carbon dioxide group occurs. Conclusion: Functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes can prove to be a novel, safe, and non-toxic carrier for the delivery of drugs by inhalation route.