Classes of Carbon Nanobiotechnology

Carbon Nanobiotechnology are a class of engineered Nanobiotechnology (ENMs) that are composed of carbon atoms and may be partially or totally carbon-based. These materials show a range of unique properties, such as electrical, optical, and mechanical characteristics, that are not present in conventional materials. Carbon Nanobiotechnology can be divided into four main classes – carbon nanotubes, graphene, fullerenes, and nanodiamonds. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical tubes of carbon atoms that are typically just a few nanometers in diameter, but can be as long as several micrometers. CNTs have a very high tensile strength, making them an ideal material for applications such as lightweight composites, coatings, and electronics. Graphene is a flat sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice. It has unique electrical and mechanical properties, such as an extremely high electrical conductivity and strength, which makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, such as flexible displays and transparent conductive coatings. Fullerenes are spherical carbon molecules composed of 60 or more carbon atoms. They are often referred to as “buckyballs” due to their resemblance to the geodesic dome designed by Buckminster Fuller. Fullerenes have unique optical and electrical properties, making them ideal for applications such as drug delivery and energy storage. Nanodiamonds are diamond particles with a size of just a few nanometers.