Biocompatible Carbon Nanotubes Generated by Functionalization with Glycodendrimers

Protective coatings: Glycodendrimers can function as homogeneous bioactive coatings that mitigate the cytotoxicity of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The bifunctional glycodendrimers (see picture) have peripheral carbohydrate units and a pyrene tail capable of binding SWNT surfaces through π–π interaction. Cells cultured with glycodendrimer-coated SWNTs proliferate at the same rate as untreated cells.