Nanomedical Devices - Nanomaterials for Medical Applications - page 254

(A) (B)

FIGURE 6.6 Scanning electron micrographs of chemically treated PLGA surfaces. Representative
scanning electron micrograph images of (A) untreated (conventional) PLGA (feature dimensions
10-15 µm) and (B) chemically treated nanostructured PLGA (feature dimensions 50-100 nm). Scale
bar = 10 microns (A) and 1000 nm (B). From Thapa et al. 140

(A) (B)

FIGURE 6.7 Scanning electron micrographs of chemically treated PU surfaces. Representative
scanning electron micrograph images of (A) untreated (conventional) PU (feature dimensions > 15 µm)
and (B) chemically treated nanostructured PU (feature dimensions 50-100 nm). Scale bar = 1000 nm.
From Thapa et al. 140

to microdimensional features. 166 In these studies, bladder smooth muscle cell
adhesion and proliferation were greater on 2D nanometer surfaces of polymers
such as PLGA and PU. Similar trends have recently been reported on 3D PLGA
scaffolds. 207 Although most of the bladder regeneration with nanomaterials is
at the in vitro level, significant promise exists for the continued exploration of
these materials.

6.3.5 Nanomaterials for Neural Applications
Silicon materials are usually used for chronic neural implants but are subject
to scar tissue formation at the tissue/implant interface, which interferes with
their functionality. 37 CNFs that show cytocompatibility, mechanical, and elec-
trical properties are an example of a material that may improve neural implant
interactions with native cell populations. In vitro studies have shown that PCU
and CNF composites have induced neurite extension. These materials have