A Theoretical Review on Challenges and Solutions of the Free Radical Scavenging Capability of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs)

It is believed that the free radicals can harmfully influence several vital biomolecules including proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, consequently leading to various chronic diseases like cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) behave as good free radical scavengers in the front lines of theoretical models. But, literature review of ‘SWCNT as free radical scavengers’ suggests that the potentiality of SWCNTs in this field has not been investigated extensively and is yet to attain its exceeding limit. This might be due to the discrepancies existing in the theoretical models to mimic the reality. Moreover, there are experimental challenges, which necessities to be highlighted so as to permit the translation of SWCNTs into the clinic. In this review paper, we have tried to explore these discrepancies and challenges on the free radical scavenging ability of SWCNT along with some possible solutions.