Carbon Nanotubes in Medical Applications
Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are 1-dimensional carbon-based molecular structures. In nanotechnology a 1-dimensional structure is one that has two lengths that are less than 100 nanometers. CNTs have remarkable properties and have been proven to be successful in many areas, including in hospitals. They are very good conductors to heat and electricity and have almost no electrical resistance. Nanotubes can easily pass through cell membranes, allowing them to be exceptional in cancer treatment. The tubes can be injected into the bloodstream and carried to the tumor. After a short time of applying infrared radiation over the tumor, they get hot, just in two minutes they can reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit or 70 degrees Celsius where they eliminate the cancer cells without causing damage to healthy cells nearby.
However it is possible that CNT's will cause respiratory problems but only in high doses, according to the New York Times CNT's may have adverse effects related to asbestos, the cause of lung diseases such as lung cancer and Mesothelioma. Is it ethical to use CNT's in treating diseases? The biggest risk of lung cancer is inhaling the tiny fibers and puts people working with the materials at most risk rather than patients. The study in the New York Times article reports that longer tubes are more deadly due to them causing lesions which develops into mesothelioma. My opinion to this question is that using CNT in treating cancer is ethical and should be used.
Medical Applications of Carbon Nanotubes
Tumors Destroyed by Nanotubes
Nanotube Cancer Treatment
