With reference to the carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements: 1) They can be used in biochemical sensors . 2) Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable. [2020]

With reference to the 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.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one of the most significant nano-allotropes of carbon. These are one-dimensional tubes or cylindrical nanostructures composed of carbon atoms. Carbon nanotubes are essentially rolled graphene nanosheets with bonded carbon atoms. The unique carbon-carbon bonding and cylindrical structure give carbon nanotubes their exceptional strength.
CNTs can be used in drug delivery systems due to their ability to be functionalized with therapeutic agents, proteins, and antigens. They can penetrate biological membranes and deliver drugs or other therapeutic agents directly to targeted cells, enhancing treatment efficiency and minimizing side effects.

While CNTs exhibit excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, their application in creating artificial blood capillaries is not well-established. Challenges such as biocompatibility concerns, potential toxicity, and the complexity of mimicking the intricate structure and function of natural blood vessels make this application impractical at present.

CNTs are highly effective in the development of biochemical sensors due to their sensitivity, high electrical conductivity, and ability to detect various biochemical substances. These sensors can detect minute changes in chemical or biological environments, making them useful in diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and healthcare.

Multiple types of microbes, including bacteria and fungi, have the ability to degrade carbon nanotubes.

Statement 2 can be eliminated first — making artificial blood capillaries is a very specific biomedical claim and is unlikely for a material mainly known for strength, conductivity, and nano-applications. Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect. Only option (c) is left.