A Study of the Biocompatibility of Carbon Nanotube-Based Nanocomposite Structures Implanted into Muscle Tissue

Abstract

A protein dispersion of carbon nanotubes and the nanocomposite structures obtained by laser irradiation of this dispersion were shown to be biocompatible and long-lived. The dispersion and the nanocomposite structures were implanted in laboratory birds, and the histologic pattern at the site of implantation was studied. It was shown that in 35 days after implantation a connective tissue capsule was formed, and tissue strands grew into the liquid and solid implanted materials. In 90 days after implantation, continuation of this process led to bioresorption of the materials, mainly as a solid structure. A normal local inflammatory response was observed. It manifested itself as an accumulation of white blood cells, mainly of the lymphoid series, and in the formation of muscle fibers at the implantation site. Gradual resorption of the nanomaterials was observed against the background of a chronic inflammation, in the absence of changes in the health status of the laboratory birds.