Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs): A Novel Therapeutic Approach in the Management of Allergic Airway Diseases

Globally, allergic airway diseases caused immense threats with increased mortality rates. Current pharmacological agents have resulted in poor patient survival due to decreased bioavailability. Nanoparticle discoveries improved the therapeutic efficacy allowing for extensive functionalization. Carbon nanotubes hold promising effects for bringing revolution worldwide in drug delivery systems. They offer the potential for improved therapeutic efficacy while at the same time, they are also associated with potential risks. Nanotechnology provides significant benefits including therapy for respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis. However, there is large evidence showing that carbon nanotubes exacerbate lung disease in rodents with pre-existing lung disease if used in drug delivery and are known to cause adverse effects such as pulmonary fibrosis. CNTs have also opened the gateway for the detection, delivery, and treatment of a multitude of pulmonary diseases. This chapter is based on how we can overcome the hurdles for growing pathologic events and improve therapeutic efficacy. It will also describe the interaction of nanomaterials in the biological system that will be essential in overcoming toxicity thereby allowing the safe use of carbon nanotubes in the management of allergic airway disease.