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Electrospun Carbon Nanotube-Based Scaffolds Exhibit High Conductivity and Cytocompatibility for Tissue Engineering
Taylor C Suh1, Jack Twiddy2, Nasif Mahmood1
1Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry, and Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States.
ACS Omega
|June 20, 2022
Summary
Two novel methods, sandwich (sCNT) and dual deposition (DD CNT), incorporate carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into scaffolds, significantly enhancing electrical conductivity and mechanical properties for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess excellent electrical conductivity.
- Electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin scaffolds are widely used but lack inherent conductivity.
- Enhancing scaffold conductivity is crucial for applications in cardiac and neural tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel methods for incorporating CNTs into PCL and gelatin scaffolds.
- To improve the electrical conductance of these scaffolds.
- To evaluate the impact of CNT incorporation on scaffold properties and cytocompatibility.
Main Methods:
- Two methods,
- sandwich
- (sCNT) and dual deposition (DD CNT), were employed to integrate CNTs into electrospun PCL and gelatin scaffolds.
- Scaffold electrical conductance was measured parallel and orthogonally to CNT arrays.
- Physicochemical properties (fiber diameter, pore size, degradation rate, hydrophobicity, mechanical properties) and cytocompatibility were assessed.
Main Results:
- DD CNT scaffolds exhibited significantly higher CNT content and electrical conductance compared to sCNT scaffolds.
- CNT incorporation increased scaffold fiber diameter and pore size, facilitating cellular migration.
- Degradation rate decreased, hydrophobicity increased, and mechanical robustness (Young's modulus, failure load) was enhanced.
- Murine fibroblasts demonstrated high cytocompatibility on CNT-incorporated scaffolds over 30 days.
Conclusions:
- Novel sCNT and DD CNT methods effectively enhance the electrical conductivity of PCL and gelatin scaffolds.
- CNT incorporation improves scaffold physicochemical and mechanical properties, promoting cell infiltration and viability.
- These CNT-enhanced scaffolds show great potential for cardiac and neural tissue engineering applications.
