Carbon nanostructure: Cutting-edge platforms for advanced genetic transport

Gene therapy represents a groundbreaking approach to treating genetic disorders, cancers, and infectious diseases by directly modifying or correcting the genetic material within a patient’s cells. Unlike conventional therapies, which primarily alleviate symptoms, gene therapy addresses the root cause of diseases at the molecular level, offering the potential for long-term or even permanent cures. However, the success of this method depends on the development of safe, efficient, and targeted delivery systems that can overcome multiple biological barriers. Among non-viral vectors, carbon nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon quantum dots (CQDs), and nanodiamonds (NDs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their high surface area, biocompatibility, and ability to be easily functionalized. Despite these advantages, obstacles such as low gene delivery efficiency and potential toxicity still hinder their widespread clinical use. This article reviews recent progress in the development of carbon nanostructures for gene delivery and discusses ongoing challenges. Continued advancements in this field have the potential to reshape gene therapy, bringing it closer to clinical reality.