Multiwalled CNT-pHEMA composite conduit for peripheral nerve repair.
D Arslantunali1, G Budak, V Hasirci
1BIOMATEN, METU Center of Excellence in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Biotechnology, METU, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Bioengineering, Gümüşhane University, Gümüşhane, Turkey.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A
|April 5, 2013
Summary
This study developed conductive poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) nerve conduits using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (mwCNT). The enhanced conductivity improved neuroblastoma cell viability, suggesting potential for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Peripheral nerve injury often leads to functional deficits.
- Nerve conduits are used to guide axonal regeneration.
- Electrical conductivity in nerve guides may enhance nerve repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a conductive nerve conduit using poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) loaded with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (mwCNT).
- To evaluate the impact of mwCNT incorporation on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of pHEMA hydrogels.
- To assess the suitability of the conductive nerve conduit for supporting neuronal cell viability.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of porous pHEMA hydrogels.
- Incorporation of varying concentrations of mwCNT into pHEMA hydrogels.
- Characterization of hydrogel conductivity, hydrophobicity, and mechanical properties (elastic modulus).
- Assessment of SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cell viability on pristine and mwCNT-loaded pHEMA under electrical stimulation.
Main Results:
- mwCNT-loaded pHEMA hydrogels exhibited significantly enhanced electrical conductivity (11.4-fold increase).
- The elastic modulus of 6% mwCNT loaded pHEMA was twofold higher, comparable to soft tissues.
- SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cells maintained viability on mwCNT-loaded pHEMA under electrical potential, unlike on pure pHEMA.
Conclusions:
- Incorporation of mwCNT into pHEMA hydrogels creates conductive biomaterials with improved mechanical properties.
- The developed conductive nerve conduit supports neuronal cell viability, indicating its potential for peripheral nerve regeneration applications.
- This study highlights the promise of electrically conductive hydrogels for enhancing nerve repair strategies.
