Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway as determined in a subsequent study using
NGF-MWCNTs (Matsumoto et al.
2010
). Future experiments will have to be care-
fully designed to assess the possible use of CNTs functionalized with neurotrophins
for support of neurite outgrowth in therapy after brain injury.
4
Concluding Remarks
The intent of this chapter is to discuss the use of CNTs in neurobiology as scaffolds
and water-dispersible injectable compounds to affect neuronal growth and neurite
outgrowth. From the presented body of work, there are palpable indices that these
nanomaterials could fi nd valuable application in medicine. Indeed, the exploitation
of CNTs is only beginning. One can only start to imagine further applications of
these materials in neurosciences based on their physical properties and the versatili-
ties of available chemical modifi cations. Of course, as nanotechnology further
advances, there should be various additional materials generated that together with
CNTs could aid our ability to repair the loss of brain function due to injury and/or
to better understand the operation of this organ.
Acknowledgments
We thank Randy F. Stout, Jr. and William Lee for comments on this manu-
script. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (CBET 0943343).
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