5. Conclusion

The chemical functionalization of CNTs has enabled us to highlight their key role in modulating the pathogenic risks associated with nanotubes. Oxidation is a treatment that shortens CNTs, disaggregates them and introduces carboxylic acids to the surface. These functions are useful for promoting CNT dispersion in physiological media and functionalizing them with molecules of interest. On the other hand, functionalization of CNTs by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition is also a method of choice for exploiting the properties of nanotubes in the biomedical field.

In vivo biodistribution studies in mice have shown that CNT length, as well as the type and rate of functionalization, have an impact on CNT excretion and accumulation in certain organs. Functionalization of CNTs by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition mitigates potential toxic risks similar to those induced by long asbestos fibers....