Tailored carbon nanotubes for tissue engineering applications

Abstract

A decade of aggressive researches on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has paved way for extending these unique nanomaterials into a wide range of applications. In the relatively new arena of nanobiotechnology, a vast majority of applications are based on CNTs, ranging from miniaturized biosensors to organ regeneration. Nevertheless, the complexity of biological systems poses a significant challenge in developing CNT-based tissue engineering applications. This review focuses on the recent developments of CNT-based tissue engineering, where the interaction between living cells/tissues and the nanotubes have been transformed into a variety of novel techniques. This integration has already resulted in a revaluation of tissue engineering and organ regeneration techniques. Some of the new treatments that were not possible previously become reachable now. Because of the advent of surface chemistry, the CNT's biocompatibility has been significantly improved, making it possible to serve as tissue scaffolding materials to enhance the organ regeneration. The superior mechanic strength and chemical inert also makes it ideal for blood compatible applications, especially for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The applications of CNTs in these cardiovascular surgeries led to a remarkable improvement in mechanical strength of implanted catheters and reduced thrombogenecity after surgery. Moreover, the functionalized CNTs have been extensively explored for in vivo targeted drug or gene delivery, which could potentially improve the efficiency of many cancer treatments. However, just like other nanomaterials, the cytotoxicity of CNTs has not been well established. Hence, more extensive cytotoxic studies are warranted while converting the hydrophobic CNTs into biocompatible nanomaterials.

Carbon nanotube interaction with extracellular matrix proteins producing scaffolds for tissue engineering

“…[106][107][108] Studies have been done on the biocompatibility and cellular growth of bone tissues on CNT scaffolds. 109,110 According to Haddon's group, for example, negatively charged functionalized SWNTs can attract calcium ions, promoting nucleation and crystallization. And surfacecharged CNTs can also inhibit the growth and proliferation of osteoblasts cells, while surface-neutralized ones promote cell growth and the formation of mineralized bone.…”

“…Hippocampal neurons had their synaptic activity increased by substrate, but their action potential remained the same. 145 Many other canonical studies have been done, as covered elsewhere, 87,109,110 including Ni et al, who showed how different groups added to MWNT surface, such as poly(maminobenzene sulfonic acid) or ethylenediamine, affect neurite outgrowth and branching. They concluded that more positively charged groups incite greater neurite length and more numerous growth cones.…”

Nanocomposites for Additive Manufacturing

“…Carbon-derived nanomaterials incorporated into a polymeric matrix have been widely investigated and it has been demonstrated that CNTs provide a good structural reinforcement for biomedical scaffolds. They can also add electrical features and improve mechanical properties of biopolymers, which would be useful to direct cell growth and tissue healing, processes in part governed by electric stimuli [24][25][26]. With respect to CNFs, it has been evidenced that they improve the function of conventional biomaterials and have shown a great potential to be used in scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration [27,28].…”

Nanotubos de carbono: potencial de uso em medicina veterinária

“…Além disso, os NTCs têm uma absorbância óptica elevada na região infravermelha do comprimento de onda, permitindo que sejam visualizados por meio de imagens de microscopia infravermelha fl uorescente. NTCs também podem agir como absorvedores de microondas, permitindo a liberação de fármacos baseadas nesse mecanismo (VEETIL &YE, 2009). …”