Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Enhanced Myogenic Differentiation for Aligned Topography-Induced Skeletal...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Volumetric muscle loss (VML) presents a significant challenge in regenerative medicine.
• Current tissue grafts have limitations for VML repair.
• Bio-activators and myogenic cells offer a promising alternative for skeletal muscle regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a conductive scaffold with aligned micro-topography to enhance skeletal muscle tissue regeneration.
• To investigate the effects of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (fCNTs) and aligned topography on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) scaffold properties and cellular behavior.
• To assess the potential of these modified scaffolds for improving muscle regeneration therapies.

Main Methods:

• Modification of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with aligned surface topography and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (fCNTs).
• Characterization of scaffold conductivity, hydrophilicity (water contact angle), and protein absorption.
• Assessment of cell viability, myotube formation, myotube length, fusion index, cell alignment, and nuclei organization on the modified scaffolds.
• Immunostaining to confirm myogenic maturation.

Main Results:

• The engineered scaffold exhibited enhanced electrical conductivity (0.11 µScm⁻¹ vs 0.51 nScm⁻¹) and regulated hydrophilicity (76° vs 50° contact angle).
• The fCNT-modified, aligned surfaces maintained >90% cell viability.
• Significant increases in myotube length (303.74 µm to 441.63 µm) and fusion index (40.43%) were observed within three differentiation days.
• Enhanced cell alignment and nuclei organization indicated improved myogenic maturation.

Conclusions:

• Biophysical modifications of PDMS scaffolds with aligned topography and fCNTs synergistically accelerate myoblast differentiation.
• The combined electrical conductivity, optimized wettability, and directional cues provide a physiologically relevant microenvironment for muscle regeneration.
• This strategy demonstrates potential for advancing muscle regeneration therapies by precisely controlling scaffold surface-electrotopographical properties.