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Published on: May 16, 2022
Biocompatible chitin/carbon nanotubes composite hydrogels as neuronal growth substrates
Shuangquan Wu1, Bo Duan2, Ang Lu2
1College of Chemistry & Molecule Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China; Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Wuhan 430071, PR China.
This study developed biocompatible chitin/carbon nanotube (CNT) hydrogels that promote nerve cell growth without toxicity. These novel Ch/CNT hydrogels show promise for nerve regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) promote neuronal cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.
- Cytotoxicity of CNTs has limited their use as neural growth substrates.
- Developing biocompatible materials is crucial for neural tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create biocompatible chitin/carbon nanotube (Ch/CNT) composite hydrogels.
- To evaluate the Ch/CNT hydrogels as substrates for neuronal growth.
- To investigate the potential of Ch/CNT hydrogels for nerve regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Modified CNTs were blended with chitin solution in NaOH/urea aqueous system.
- Composite hydrogels were formed via regeneration in ethanol.
- Characterization included mechanical testing, swelling ratio measurement, and cell culture studies (PC12 and RSC96 cells).
Main Results:
- Ch/CNT hydrogels exhibited enhanced tensile strength and elongation at break with decreased swelling ratio.
- The hydrogels showed good hemocompatibility, in vitro biodegradation, and biocompatibility.
- Ch/CNT hydrogels demonstrated no cytotoxicity or neurotoxicity to neuronal and Schwann cells.
- Significant enhancement in neuronal cell adhesion, proliferation, and neurite outgrowth was observed, particularly with Ch/CNT3 hydrogels.
Conclusions:
- A simple and efficient method for constructing novel Ch/CNT hydrogels was developed.
- Ch/CNT hydrogels serve as effective neuronal growth substrates.
- These hydrogels hold potential for applications in nerve regeneration.
