Supramolecular organic nanotubes for drug delivery

Abstract

Organic nanotubes (ONTs) have entranced considerable research attention for their potential applications in drug delivery, sensors, catalysts, optical devices, ferro/piezoelectrics, template/scaffolds, hydro/organogels, enzymatic reactors, biomarkers, and various biomedical applications. Substantial information is available on ONTs as nanocarriers for drug delivery. We comprehensively review various supramolecular ONTs reported in drug delivery applications. The major supramolecular ONTs discussed are lipids-based, peptides, and DNA nanotubes. Drug delivery by polymer-ONTs conjugates and ONTs-based hydrogels are also discussed. The collective information provided is helpful to further advance research and development in ONTs-based drug delivery systems.

Keywords

• Organic nanotubes
• Supramolecular self-assembly
• Lipid-based nanotubes
• Peptide nanotubes
• DNA nanotubes
• Drug delivery