Prechondrogenic ATDC5 cell response to graphene/multi-walled carbon nanotube-containing porous polycaprolactone biocomposite scaffolds

摘要

In the study graphene and multi- walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) - containing polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were prepared by solvent casting-particulate leaching method for cartilage tissue engineering applications. Graphene nanopowders or MWCNTs were added to the system at different concentrations namely 1, 3, 5 and 10 wt%. Mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of the scaffolds were measured as a function of additive concentration. Response of prechondrogenic ATDC5 cells seeded on the composite constructs were tested using XTT method and live-dead cell viability assay. Alkaline phosphatase activity of the cells was also tested to investigate differentiation behaviour. Results showed that electrically conductive composite scaffolds prepared in the study have potential to be used in tissue engineering.