Carbon Nanotubes-Hydrogel Composites for Neural Tissue Engineering Applications

摘要

Conclusions: In conclusion, we developed a novel method for direct transfer of quartz-grown CNTs onto a hydrogel substrate with a >99% transfer efficiency. This method was compatible with various hydrogels, and successful transfer was attributed to pi-pi stacking interactions between the CNTs and the polymers in the hydrogel precursor solutions. The developed method does not require intermediate steps or sacrificial substrates, making it simpler than current strategies and is compatible with hydrogel substrates. The nanocomposites also supported excellent cell viability. We are currently investigating the mechanism of cell attachment to the CNTs and studying the neurite outgrowth as a function of hydrogel substrate stiffness and CNTs presence and alignment.