ABSTRACT
Nanodiamonds (NDs) are members of the diverse structural family of nanocarbons that include many varieties based on synthesis conditions, postsynthesis processes, and modi¢cations. First studied in detail beginning in the 1960s in Russia, NDs have now gained worldwide attention due to their inexpensive large-scale synthesis based on the detonation of carbon-containing explosives, small primary particle size (<4-5 nm) with narrow size distribution, facile surface functionalization including bioconjugation, as well as high biocompatibility. It is anticipated that the attractive properties of NDs will be exploited for the development of therapeutic agents for diagnostic probes, delivery vehicles, gene therapy, antiviral and antibacterial treatments, tissue sca«olds, and novel medical devices such as nanorobots. Additionally, biotechnology applications have shown the prospective use of NDs for bioanalytical purposes, such as protein puri¢cation or ¦uorescent biolabeling. ¡is review critically examines the use of NDs for biomedical applications based on type (i.e., high-pressure high-temperature [HPHT], chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond, detonation ND [DND]), postsynthesis processing and modi¢cations, and resultant properties including biointerfacing. ¡e discussion focuses on ND material in the form of nanoparticles, while the biomedical uses of ND coatings and thin ¢lms are discussed rather brie¦y. Speci¢c use of NDs in both nonconjugated and conjugated forms as enterosorbents or solid phase carriers for small molecules including lysozyme, vaccines, and drugs is also considered. ¡e use of NDs as human anticancer agents and in health care products is already showing promising results for further development. ¡e review concludes with a look to the future directions and challenges involved in maximizing the potential of these exciting little carbon-based gems in the ¢elds of engineering, medicine, and biotechnology.
