Effects of acid treatment on structure, properties and biocompatibility of carbon nanotubes

► Incubation of carbon nanotubes in an acid mixture changes their chemical and physical properties as shown using spectroscopy and microscopy assays. ► Acid incubation of single-walled carbon nanotubes reduces their intrinsic cytotoxicity in relation to human epithelial cells. ► Multi-walled carbon nanotubes with user-controlled physical and chemical properties serve as platforms for the next generation of biosensors.