Increased Stem Cell Adhesion on Carbon Nanotubes Grown from Anodized Titanium
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0951-E06-28
Increased Stem Cell Adhesion on Carbon Nanotubes Grown from Anodized Titanium Batur Ercan and Thomas Webster Division of Engineering, Brown University, Barus & Holley 182 Hope St., Box D, Providence, RI, 02912
ABSTRACT Stem cells are the source of all differentiated cells in the body. However, the stimuli that control stem cell differentiation into other cell types is still not well understood. In order to investigate this, novel carbon nanotubes (CNT’s) were synthesized on anodized titanium substrates by chemical vapor deposition. Human mesenchymal stem cell (HMCS) adhesion was investigated on this nano-structured surface. The results showed significant evidence for the enhancement of HMSC adhesion on carbon nanotubes with respect to the template they were synthesized on, specifically, anodized titanium. Such evidence provides promise for the use of carbon nanotubes grown from anodized titanium to serve as novel stem cell differentiation devices.
INTRODUCTION Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into numerous cell types, which make them attractive for restoring damaged tissues. In order to achieve this, one of the major obstacles yet to be solved is understanding of the mechanisms triggering differentiation of these stem cells. It is clear that novel biomaterials to deliver stem cells to specific tissue locations and enhance their differentiation into desirable cells are needed. Advances in nanotechnology can be useful in fulfilling this aim. Many studies have shown increased functions of anchorage dependent cells on nano-structured materials [1,2]. For example, Elias et al. [3] and Price et al. [4] determined significantly greater in vitro osteoblast functions leading to mineral deposition on carbon fibers with nanometer compared to conventional dimensions. Chuan et al. [5] observed higher degrees of cell stem cell attachment and expansion on nanofiber meshes as compared to films of polyethersulfone. Battista et al. [6] found significant evidence that physical and structural properties of the scaffold can influence stem cell development. Melvile et al. [7] observed that as the carbonate levels increase within sintered apatites so does the number of adherent cells on the their surfaces. The purpose of this study is, for the first time, to demonstrate the adhesion characteristics of stem cells on carbon nanotubes in vitro. Carbon nanotubes were chosen as a potential stem cell scaffold material because of their unique surface and electrical properties. By functionalizing these carbon nanotubes and/or through the application of an external stimuli (such as electricity), it is envisioned that one could control stem cell differentiation toward preferential patterns. However, the first step in the use of carbon nanotubes to control stem cell differentiation is to find a carbon nanotube based substrate that stem cells will adhere to.
EXPERIMENT
Materials The proposed material system for controlling stem cell adhesion consists of carbon nanotubes grown from anodized titanium. Before the anodizatio
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