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Mechanically and Electrically Enhanced CNT-Collagen Hydrogels As Potential Scaffolds for Engineered Cardiac
Hongsheng Yu, Hui Zhao, Chenyu Huang1
1Department of Dermatology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|January 9, 2021
Summary
Engineered cardiac constructs benefit from hybrid hydrogels. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) combined with collagen improved cardiomyocyte function, showing promise for cardiac tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Biomimetic scaffolds are crucial for engineered cardiac constructs.
- Existing scaffolds often limit cardiomyocyte (CM) function due to mechanical, conductive, and structural mismatches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of combining type I collagen hydrogels with carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
- To assess improvements in hydrogel strength, conductivity, and structure.
- To evaluate the effects on cardiomyocyte function for cardiac construct engineering.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of hybrid hydrogels using type I collagen and carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
- Characterization of hydrogel mechanical properties, conductivity, and submicrometer structure.
- Seeding and culturing of cardiomyocytes (CMs) within pure collagen and CNT-collagen hybrid hydrogels.
- Assessment of CM function within the different hydrogel environments.
Main Results:
- CNT-collagen hybrid hydrogels demonstrated enhanced strength and conductivity compared to pure collagen hydrogels.
- The submicrometer structure of the CNT-collagen hydrogels was favorably influenced.
- Cardiomyocytes (CMs) cultured within CNT-collagen hydrogels exhibited improved cardiac cell functions.
Conclusions:
- CNT-collagen hybrid hydrogels offer significant improvements over pure collagen scaffolds.
- These hybrid hydrogels show great promise as functional materials for engineered cardiac constructs.
- The enhanced properties of CNT-collagen hydrogels support better cardiomyocyte function and tissue development.
