Functional Carbon Nanotube Substrates for Tissue Engineering Applications
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FUNCTIONAL CARBON NANOTUBE SUBSTRATES FOR TISSUE ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS X. Zhang, C. Ozkan, Mechanical Engineering Department; S. Prasad, M. Ozkan, Electrical Engineering Department; S. Niyogi, Department of Chemistry; University of California, Riverside, CA 92521 ABSTRACT In this paper, we describe nanostructured substrates as suitable and functional platforms for neuron scaffolding. Neurons are electrically excitable mammalian cells that on network formation serve as conduits for information transfer. A vast amount of information is transferred through the cells in the spinal cord via synaptic and gap junctions in the electro-ionic fashion mediated by neutrotransmitters. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are strong, flexible, conduct electrical current and they are biocompatible and non-biodegradable. They can be functionalized with different biomolecules like neuron growth factors and adhesion agents, properties that come useful in formation of neuron hybrids. These properties of the nanotubes make them potentially successful candidates to form prosthetic substrates to guide neurite outgrowth. A combination of microlithography and chemical vapor deposition is used to engineer patterned vertical multiwalled carbon nanotube substrates. These substrates function as scaffolds and are used to demonstrate the formation of directed neuronal networks. Multiple substrate geometries and nanotube heights are fabricated to determine the most suitable combination for understand the cell morphological changes. Changes in the interaction between the cell membrane and the nanotube substrate are visually characterized. Cell viability is determined via calcium staining and different types of nano-structure substrates are also tested for further studies. Keywords: Nanoscale platforms, patterned carbon nanotube substrates, directed neuron growth INTRODUCTION Nanostructured substrates have the capability for directing and guiding live biological cells. Not only do they provide support to the developing cells but also allow for in-situ monitoring. Neurons are electrically excitable cells that on network formation serve as conduits for information transfer. A vast amount of information is transferred through the cells in the spinal cord via synaptic and gap junctions in an electro-ionic fashion mediated by neurotransmitters. The failure of the mammalian spinal cord to regenerate following injury is not absolute, but appears to be amenable to therapeutic manipulation [1]. Promotion of axonal growth and support for long distance regeneration are the two requirements in the various experimental strategies for spinal cord repair [2]. The onus of achieving these goals in-vitro is on the substrate, which functions as the basis for the formation of neural bridges with high signal to noise ratio, for efficient signal transmission. Biomaterials play a major role in developing successful guiding strategies.
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A novel technique is the use of patterned carbon nanotube (CNT) substrates for forming network hybrids and ensuring electrical
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