Protein-Polymer Matrices with Embedded Carbon Nanotubes for Tissue Engineering: Regularities of Formation and Features of Interaction with Cell Membranes

Abstract

This paper reveals the mechanism of nanowelding a branched network of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) used as a framework for the formation of protein–polymer matrices with albumin, collagen, and chitosan. It is shown that the introduction of certain point defects into the structure of SWCNTs (single vacancy, double vacancy, Stone–Wales defect, and a mixed defect) allows us to obtain strong heating in defective regions as compared to ideal SWCNTs. The wavelengths at which absorption reaches 50% are determined. Non-uniform absorption of laser radiation along with inefficient heat removal in defective regions determines the formation of hot spots, in which nanowelding of SWCNTs is observed even at 0.36 nm between contacting surfaces. The regularities of formation of layered protein–polymer matrices and the features of their interaction with cell membrane are revealed. All studies are carried out in silico using high-precision quantum approaches.

Frame Coating of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Collagen on PET Fibers for Artificial Joint Ligaments

“…It is known that, after synthesis, carbon nanotubes have a large number of defects, mainly vacancy defects [ 51 ]. Nanotubes also have high thermal conductivity; however, in the defect region due to the violation of the crystal lattice, thermal conductivity decreases, and hot spots form [ 53 ]. Such spots are the most probable regions of nanotube binding to each others frame structures [ 54 ].…”

“…The additional functionalization of CNTs by carboxyl, carbonyl, or amine functional groups, synthetic (polyethylene glycol) or natural (collagen) polymers can affect the physicochemical properties of the material [ 50 , 51 ], its bioinertness, and improve biocompatibility [ 52 ]. It was proved by molecular methods simulations [ 53 ] and was confirmed in experiments in vitro [ 54 , 55 ] and in vivo [ 55 ].…”

The Martini Model in Materials Science

“…Other applications in the field of nanoparticle composite materials include polymer/graphene, [ 75 ] polymer/graphite, [ 180 ] polymer/clay [ 78 ] composites, and polymer–CNT–protein matrices for applications in the field of tissue regeneration. [ 181 ]…”

Growth, Properties, and Applications of Branched Carbon Nanostructures

“…In silico studies of the mechanism of nanowelding a branched network of SWCNTs were performed for tissue engineering applications [4], whereby CNTs are very promising [35,36], especially to repair the bone [37,38] and conductive tissues [39], such as the nerve [40] and the heart [41]. Defective regions of SWCNTs were found to absorb more energy than defect-free regions, which acted as hot-spots for nanowelding and the formation of b-CNT networks [4].…”

“…Many other biological systems have branched structures where their functional morphology is key to their advanced functionality. For example, the correlation of branching in plants with respect to their functional morphology and mechanical behavior have led to concepts applicable in synthetic branched-fiber materials [2], in the bio-inspired design of polymer nanocomposites [3], in tissue engineering [4], and in superhydrophobicity-the socalled "lotus leaf" effect [5]. Currently, branched carbon nanotubes (b-CNTs) and branched carbon nanofibers (b-CNFs) are of great technological interest due to their electronic and mechanical properties.…”