Activated Carbon Fiber Incorporated with Metal Ions: Characterization and Biological Interactions In Vitro.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Developing biocompatible materials with osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties is crucial for bone regeneration.
• Polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers offer a promising scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and characterize non-activated carbon fiber felt (NACFF) and activated carbon fiber felt (ACF) modified with silver (Ag-ACF), gold (Au-ACF), copper (Cu-ACF), palladium (Pd-ACF), and platinum (Pt-ACF).
• To assess the effect of these materials on mesenchymal stem cell behavior and osteogenesis in vitro.

Main Methods:

• Materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman analysis.
• In vitro assays included cell proliferation, cell viability, mineralization nodule formation, total protein content, and alkaline phosphatase activity on rat mesenchymal stem cells.
• Genotoxicity and cell interaction were also evaluated.

Main Results:

• ACF exhibited good cell viability, superior to Ag-ACF, Cu-ACF, and Pt-ACF.
• Gold (Au-ACF) and palladium (Pd-ACF) incorporated ACF showed homogeneous metal distribution and potential for bone repair applications.
• Silver (Ag-ACF) and copper (Cu-ACF) demonstrated toxicity and low osteogenic induction, while platinum (Pt-ACF) showed genotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• Activated carbon fiber felt (ACF) holds potential as a future biomaterial with favorable cell viability.
• Carbon fibers functionalized with gold and palladium ions show promise as supports for bone repair applications.
• Further development is warranted for ACF-based materials in regenerative medicine.