Q. With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements:
- They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.
- They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of the human body.
- They can be used in biochemical sensors.
- Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer – (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)
Statement 1: They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.
This statement is correct. Carbon nanotubes have been extensively researched for their potential in biomedical applications, including drug delivery systems. Their unique properties, such as high surface area and the ability to be functionalized with various biomolecules, make them suitable carriers for drugs and antigens.
Statement 2: They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of the human body.
This statement is not entirely accurate as of the current state of research. While carbon nanotubes have been explored for various biomedical applications, creating artificial blood capillaries that fully mimic the functions of natural capillaries is extremely complex and not yet feasible. The primary challenges include biocompatibility, integration with the body’s existing vascular network, and the prevention of clotting and immune responses.
Statement 3: They can be used in biochemical sensors.
This statement is correct. Carbon nanotubes have been used in the development of various types of sensors, including biochemical sensors. Their high electrical conductivity and surface area make them excellent candidates for detecting biological molecules, such as glucose, DNA, and proteins, with high sensitivity and specificity.
Statement 4: Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.
This statement is correct but requires some nuance. The biodegradability of carbon nanotubes depends on their functionalization and the environment in which they are placed. Certain types of functionalized carbon nanotubes have been shown to degrade under specific conditions, such as in the presence of oxidative enzymes. However, the rate and extent of degradation can vary, and some forms of carbon nanotubes may persist in the environment or in biological systems for extended periods.
Given the analysis above, the correct answer is (c) 1, 3, and 4 only. Statement 2 is not entirely accurate with the current state of technology and understanding of carbon nanotubes in biomedical engineering, making options (a), (b), and (d) incorrect. This is the offical answer but other websites are saying (d).
