Carbon nanotube composite scaffolds and coatings for tissue engineering applications
Boccaccini AR, Gerhardt LC (2010)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2010
Journal
Publisher: Trans Tech Publications
Book Volume: 441
Pages Range: 31-52
DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.441.31
Abstract
This review aimed at summarising the current knowledge on materials science aspects of carbon nanotube composites for tissue engineering applications. On the basis of literature data presented in this review, the following main conclusions can be drawn: 1. Carbon nanotubes can be successfully incorporated into inorganic ceramics, as well as in natural and synthetic polymer matrices by means of a broad range of techniques including solvent casting, electrospinning, thermally-induced phase separation and gelation processes. 2. CNT coatings can be obtained on 3D scaffolds (made of polymers or bioceramics) by electrophoretic deposition technique, leading to homogeneous covering of the pore structure by CNTs. 3. Due to the physical nature of CNTs, both structural and surface compatibility of tissue engineering scaffolds can be improved. Surface chemical functionalisation of CNTs is an attractive approach to homogenise the dispersion of CNTs throughout the matrix, thereby positively influencing the interfacial bonding strength, mechanical and electrical properties of the scaffolds. 4. The electrical conductivity of CNT containing composites can be further increased by mechanically induced alignment of the composite so that an anisotropically directed stimulation of electrically excitable recipient tissues is possible. 5. The incorporation of CNTs into polymer matrices imparts not only nano-roughness to the surface of the composites, resulting in favourable physico-chemical (e.g. antithrombotic) properties and positive effects on protein and cell adsorption, but also affects the polymer stability allowing the control and fine-tuning of degradations kinetics and characteristics of biodegradable polymer/CNT composites. 6. In the case of bioactive glass scaffolds, the in vitro bioactivity of bioactive glasses is maintained in the presence of CNTs and in vivo bone growth (mineralisation) and neovascularisation can even be improved by the addition of CNTs in tissue engineering scaffolds. 7. The results of the studies reviewed in this paper demonstrate that tailored CNTs-filled composites have a high potential for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine for regeneration of diseased or damaged soft and hard tissues. The safe use of CNTs as part of TE strategies should thus be of great benefit to develop new generation scaffolds with enhanced in-vitro and in-vivo performance. The analysis of the available literature has revealed that in addition to improving the dispersion of CNTs in matrices and positively influencing composite interphases, functionalisation of CNTs also influences the degree of possible toxicity of CNTs [18]. Functionalisation may therefore be a key parameter for controlling the impact of CNTs on human health and the environment, requiring further interdisciplinary-driven studies and interplay of various disciplines ranging from materials science to biology. Integrating nanotoxicology with a life-cycle perspective will therefore be a prerequisite for the development of nanotechnology-based applications of CNTs in a safe and responsible manner [32]. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications.
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APA:
Boccaccini, A.R., & Gerhardt, L.-C. (2010). Carbon nanotube composite scaffolds and coatings for tissue engineering applications. Key Engineering Materials, 441, 31-52. https://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.441.31
MLA:
Boccaccini, Aldo R., and Lutz-Christian Gerhardt. "Carbon nanotube composite scaffolds and coatings for tissue engineering applications." Key Engineering Materials 441 (2010): 31-52.
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