Toward clinical translation of carbon nanomaterials in anticancer drug delivery: the need for standardisation

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs), including graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon dots, have attracted considerable interest as nanocarriers for drug delivery due to their unique physicochemical properties. Their high surface area, biocompatibility, and modifiable surface chemistry make them highly attractive for a range of biomedical applications. However, concerns regarding toxicity and regulatory hurdles remain major barriers to clinical translation. Current research is therefore focused on standardizing CNM synthesis and characterisation methods, minimizing toxicity, and facilitating regulatory approval. Despite these challenges, CNMs hold substantial promise for enhancing therapeutic delivery, particularly in areas such as cancer treatment. This perspective highlights critical considerations in the development of CNM-based nanocarriers, spanning from initial design to clinical implementation.