Advancing biomedical, food, and industrial applications through carbon nanomaterials: current status and future perspectives

Carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene, possess remarkable mechanical, electrical, and biological properties, making them promising enhancers in biological materials. Their nanoscale dimensions and large surface area enable targeted interactions with living organisms. However, concerns regarding their cellular compatibility in clinical orthopedic applications persist. To address this, ongoing investigations are examining the interaction of carbon nanomaterials with biological systems, including proteins, nucleic acids, and human cells, to assess their behavior in laboratory and in vivo settings. Studies have demonstrated that composites reinforced with CNTs and graphene enhance the adhesion of osteoblast cells, leading to enhanced bone tissue formation. This potential is expected to drive advancements in reconstructive medicine and bone tissue engineering. Additionally, this article presents current advancements and future research directions in developing CNT and graphene-reinforced implants for bone tissue engineering.