Analytical strategies for real-time, non-invasive tracking of carbon nanomaterials in vivo

•Tracking SWCNTs in vivo using their own optical properties in the near infrared.•Tracking MWCNTs, graphene and fullerene using magnetic or fluorescent labels.•Radioactive labels are powerful for tracking carbon nanoparticles in vivo.

Monitoring carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) in vivo is still a great challenge. Employing the intrinsic properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes, near-infrared fluorescence, Raman and photoacoustic imaging are the preferred methods for tracking CNPs in vivo. For other carbon nanomaterials, labeling with magnetic, fluorescent or radioactive agents is required to achieve the same goal.