Tubular micro-scale multiwalled carbon nanotube-based scaffolds for tissue engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing advanced scaffolds is crucial for tissue engineering.
• Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) offer unique electrical and mechanical properties.
• Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a widely used biocompatible polymer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and evaluate a novel composite scaffold for tissue engineering.
• To assess the biocompatibility and cell interaction of a PLGA/MWCNT scaffold.
• To investigate the potential of MWCNTs in enhancing scaffold properties.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a tubular knitted scaffold using MWCNT yarn.
• Electrospinning of PLGA nanofibres onto the MWCNT scaffold to create a composite.
• In vitro biocompatibility testing with NR6 mouse fibroblast cells for 22 days.
• Evaluation of scaffold pore size, cell distribution, electrical, and mechanical properties.

Main Results:

• The MWCNT yarn supported fibroblast attachment and proliferation.
• The knitted scaffold's large pores led to uneven cell distribution.
• The electrospun PLGA/MWCNT composite scaffold exhibited smaller pores, promoting uniform cell spanning and distribution.
• The composite scaffold showed promising electrical resistance (0.9 kΩ/cm) and mechanical properties (0.7N breaking load, 8% extension to break).

Conclusions:

• The PLGA/MWCNT composite scaffold effectively supports cell growth and distribution.
• The composite scaffold leverages the electrical and mechanical benefits of MWCNTs.
• This novel scaffold holds significant potential for diverse tissue engineering applications.