Biocompatible SWCNT Conductive Composites for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

The efficiency of devices for biomedical applications, including tissue engineering and neuronal stimulation, heavily depends on their biocompatibility and performance level. Therefore, it is important to find adequate materials that meet the necessary requirements such as (i) being intrinsically compatible with biological systems, (ii) providing a sufficient electronic conductivity that promotes efficient signal transduction, (iii) having “soft” mechanical properties comparable to biological structures, and (iv) being degradable in physiological solution. We have developed organic conducting biocompatible single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) composites based on bovine serum albumin, carboxymethylcellulose, and acrylic polymer and investigated their properties, which are relevant for biomedical applications. This includes ζ-potential measurements, conductivity analyses, and SEM micrographs, the latter providing a local analysis of SWCNT distribution in the base material. We observed the development of the electrical conductivity of the SWCNT composites exposed to 1 mM KCl electrolyte for 40 days, representing a high stability of the samples. The conductivity of samples reaches 1300 S/m for 0.45 wt.% nanotubes. Moreover, we demonstrated the biocompatibility of the composites via cultivating fibroblast cell culture. Finally, we showed that composite coating results in the longer lifespan of cells on the surface. Overall, the SWCNT-based conductive composites might be a promising material for extended biomedical applications.

The improvement of periodontal tissue regeneration using a 3D‐printed carbon nanotube/chitosan/sodium alginate composite scaffold

“…Previous studies on the cytocompatibility of CNTs are relatively scarce, and the conclusions of some studies are contradictory. 35 Cui et al treated human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells with single-walled CNTs and pointed out that CNTs had high toxicity and could reduce cell viability. 36 However, Hirata et al found that CNT coating on collagen sponges improved the cell adhesion of MC3T3-E1 cells.…”

“…The results of cell experiments in vitro showed that the addition of an appropriate amount of CNTs could promote the growth and reproduction of hPDLCs, and the results of cell survival staining were consistent with those of CCK‐8, which indicates that the CNT/CS/AL composite scaffold has good biocompatibility. Previous studies on the cytocompatibility of CNTs are relatively scarce, and the conclusions of some studies are contradictory 35 . Cui et al treated human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells with single‐walled CNTs and pointed out that CNTs had high toxicity and could reduce cell viability 36 .…”

Two-Photon Polymerization of Albumin Hydrogel Nanowires Strengthened with Graphene Oxide

“…Nevertheless, we have demonstrated that the gradual change in composite properties starts even for small concentrations of GO. Previously we demonstrated the biocompatibility of nanocomposites of BSA [ 14 ]. Nevertheless, additional investigation on cell proliferation has to be done for proper analysis of BSA@GO biocompatibility.…”

“…Previously we demonstrated that CNT/BSA composites with varied conductivity and concentration can be used as biocompatible materials for sensor application [ 14 ] or scaffold for cells growth [ 15 ]. The 2D materials, such as graphene, provide advanced properties of composites for lower load concentration while maintaining flexibility and stretchable properties.…”

Electrically Conductive Networks from Hybrids of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Created by Laser Radiation

“…The prospects of using framework materials based on carbon nanoparticles increase when they are introduced into various media and matrices, which include metals, polymers, ceramics, and other materials [ 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 ]. However, it is important to understand the possibility of forming contacts between nanotubes and graphene sheets without matrix on a substrate [ 61 , 69 , 70 ].…”