Plant-Based Carbon Nanotubes Drug Delivery Platform for Targeted Cancer Therapy
Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with current treatments often harming healthy tissues and failing to fully eliminate tumours. A major challenge lies in delivering therapy precisely to cancer cells without affecting normal ones.
Nanotechnology offers a breakthrough solution. Engineered nanoparticles, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), can be functionalized to selectively target cancer cells, improving drug delivery while minimising side effects.
This innovation goes a step further by combining CNTs with natural plant-derived anticancer compounds, offering a biocompatible, green, and highly targeted therapeutic platform. This approach opens new frontiers in precision oncology—pairing cutting-edge delivery systems with the untapped potential of African medicinal plants.
This innovative technology integrates single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with plant-derived anticancer compounds for targeted cancer therapy. The nanotubes are purified, functionalised, and bio-conjugated with extracts from Annona muricata, Dodonaea viscosa, Dicoma capensis, and Tulbaghia violacea. In vitro studies demonstrated that the conjugates significantly reduced cancer cell viability while sparing normal cells, outperforming the free plant extracts. Fluorescence imaging confirmed targeted uptake via folate receptor-mediated and caveolae-mediated pathways, showing promise for precision delivery in tumours such as breast and colorectal cancers.
Benefits
- Targeted Action
The conjugate selectively targets cancer cells, minimising harm to healthy tissue and enhancing therapeutic focus.
- Reduced Side Effects
By sparing normal cells, this approach aims to reduce treatment-related toxicity, improving patient comfort and quality of life.
- Enhanced Resistance Management
A combination of bioactive compounds from multiple plants provides a multifaceted mechanism that helps prevent drug resistance.
- Lower Toxicity Profile
Natural plant extracts are potentially less toxic than synthetic chemotherapy agents, offering a safer alternative.
- Improved Efficacy and Recurrence Reduction
Precision delivery enables more complete cancer cell eradication, potentially reducing the risk of relapse.