Functionalized nanodiamonds as efficient transmembrane drug carriers

Studies of the biological relevance of nanocarbon materials have attracted much attention. While the scientific community has primarily focused on the potential biological applications of fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, another important form of nanocarbon materials, nanodiamonds (NDs), are beginning to emerge as alternative candidates for similar and other applications due to their high biocompatibility, as revealed in our recent study. In this work, we present the first utilization of nanodiamond hydrogels as efficient biocompatible drug carriers. Both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer drugs have been successfully coated on nanodiamonds and integrated into their aggregates via electrostatic and physical interactions to form slow release and targeted drug systems. In addition, in vitro studies have indicated that the NDs can efficiently carry drugs into the cells.