Engineered Carbon Nanotube Scaffolds for Next-Generation Tissue Engineering: Synergizing Mechanical, Electrical, and...

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their composites exhibit considerable potential for application in tissue engineering, owing to their unique physical, chemical, and biological properties which render them ideal candidates for constructing biological scaffolds, facilitating tissue regeneration, and enhancing cellular functions. This review systematically examines the application of CNT-based scaffolds, with a focus on their synergistic mechanical, electrical, and bioactive properties. We discuss the fundamental characteristics of CNTs, including their mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, chemical modifiability, antimicrobial activity, and the central challenge of cytotoxicity. Strategies to mitigate cytotoxicity through functionalization and composite formation are elaborated. The review probes the enhanced biocompatibility, electrical properties, and mechanical performance of CNT composites, alongside their applications in bone, neural, and cardiac tissue engineering. A specific focus is placed on CNT scaffolds functionalized with growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF), highlighting their role in promoting angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Finally, we summarize the current state of the field, address existing limitations-particularly regarding cytotoxicity and long-term safety-and suggest promising directions for future research, including the integration of photothermal therapy and the need for more comprehensive in vivo studies. This review aims to provide a balanced and critical perspective on the journey of CNT-based scaffolds from laboratory innovation to clinical reality.