Abstract: Discrete, individualized carbon nanotubes having targeted, or selective, oxidation levels or content and a functionalized surface coating are claimed. Such carbon nanotubes can have little to no inner tube surface oxidation, or differing amounts and/or types of oxidation between the tubes' inner and outer surfaces. These new discrete carbon nanotubes are useful for delivery and controlled release of drugs, chemicals, compounds, small molecules, oligonucleotides, peptides, proteins, enzymes, macromolecular gene-editing assemblies, other biologics and combinations of thereof. The functionalized surface coating may be utilized to preferentially direct the nanotubes to particular tissues, organs or regions of the body for controlled delivery and or release of a payload molecule.