Functionalized carbon nanotube theranostic agents for microwave diagnostic imaging and thermal therapy of tumors

摘要

In this paper, we present an experimental study of the microwave-frequency dielectric properties and heating response of aqueous dispersions of single- and double-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The CNTs were chemically treated using a method that enables the creation of stable dispersions of isolated tubes at very high concentrations. The CNT dispersions show significantly enhanced dielectric properties and heating response compared to the control (an aqueous sample without CNTs). The observed enhancement with this specific CNT dispersion formulation is far greater than any previously reported. The results suggest that these modified CNTs are promising candidates as contrast agents for microwave diagnostic imaging and heating agents for nanoparticle-mediated microwave thermal therapy for cancer.