Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for Plasmid DNA Gene Delivery

Abstract

Genetic vaccination and gene therapy research could benefit from the application of carbon nanotubes. Functionalized, positively charged, water-soluble carbon nanotubes are able to penetrate into cells (see figure) and can transport plasmid DNA by formation of noncovalent DNA–nanotube complexes. Such nanotubes can be used as novel nonviral delivery systems for gene transfer.