Preparation of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Embedded Electroconductive Multi-Microchannel Scaffolds for Neuron Growth under Electrical Stimulation.

Zhenhui Liu,Shuo Wu,Maimaiaili Yushan,Chuang Ma,Aihemaitijiang Yusufu,Yamuhanmode Alike,Yanshi Liu

doi:10.1155/2020/4794982

Zhenhui Liu, Shuo Wu + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/4794982

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Abstract

Objectives To prepare the conductive MWCNT (multiwall carbon nanotube)-agarose scaffolds with multi-microchannel for neuron growth under electrical stimulation. Methods The scaffolds were produced by gradient freeze and lyophilization methods. The synthesized materials were characterized by SEM and near-infrared spectroscopy, and their microstructure, swelling-deswelling, conductivity, biocompatibility, and shape memory behavior were measured. A three-dimensional culture model by implanting cells into scaffolds was built, and the behaviors of RSC96 cells on scaffolds under electrical stimulation were evaluated. Results The addition of MWCNT did not affect the pore composition ratio and shape memory of agarose scaffolds, but 0.025% wt MWCNT in scaffolds improved the swelling ratio and water retention at the swelling equilibrium state. Though MWCNTs in high concentration had slight effect on proliferation of RSC96 cells and PC12 cells, there was no difference that the expressions of neurofilament of RSC96 cells on scaffolds with MWCNTs of different concentration. RSC96 cells arranged better along the longitudinal axis of scaffolds and showed better adhesion on both 0.025% MWCNT-agarose scaffolds and 0.05% MWCNT-agarose scaffolds compared to other scaffolds. Conclusions Agarose scaffolds with MWCNTs possessed promising applicable prospect in peripheral nerve defects.

Highlights

The repair and reconstruction of peripheral nerve defects caused by severe trauma, tumor excision, and congenital malformation have been a great clinic problem when gaps exceed 25 mm, because of limited resource and unsatisfactory results of autologous nerve autografting [1,2,3,4]
We reported the use of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to enhance the electrical conductivity and biological performance of agarose scaffold
It could be seen that MWCNTs and agarose fused well

Summary

Introduction

The repair and reconstruction of peripheral nerve defects caused by severe trauma, tumor excision, and congenital malformation have been a great clinic problem when gaps exceed 25 mm, because of limited resource and unsatisfactory results of autologous nerve autografting [1,2,3,4]. Synthetic composites can be a promising tool to guide axonal regeneration when supplying neurotrophic and/or cellular support simultaneously. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are increasingly used as biomedical material due to their excellent mechanical and electrical properties and high stability [6, 7]. CNTs can endow synthetic composites with good biocompatibility [8, 9], shape memory, mechanical properties [10], photothermal conversion ability, antibacterial properties [11], and conductivity which can simulate electrical conduction to guide the growth of nerve cells and promote myelination [12, 13], providing a new strategy for clinical peripheral nerve regeneration and functional reconstruction. CNTs were usually used as a component of composite materials, due to cytotoxicity of high concentration of carbon nanomaterials [7]

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