Biomolecular Architecture for Nanotechnology - Bionanoelectronics: Bioinquiring and Bioinspired Devices - page 170

Three-dimensional networks of multiwalled CNTs comprising interconnected
cavities are ideal scaffolds for seeding and growth of biological cells, in particular
mouse fibroblast cells ( Correa-Duarte et al. 2004 ). This particular architecture of
CNTs forms from vertically aligned arrays of MWCNTs, which are subjected to an
oxidation process that generates carboxylic groups at the ends of MWCNT as well
as at the sidewall defects. This functionalization process of MWCNT takes place in
acid solution, which generates tensile and capillary forces between the aligned tubes
that lead to their flattening at positions on the array with higher densities. A three-
dimensional structure consisting of polygon cavities with almost honeycomb shapes
separated by perpendicular walls forms when nanotubes collapse from opposite
directions. The spatial distribution of structure can be controlled by the lengths
of the aligned MWCNTs: pyramid-like structure form for shorter nanotubes and
interconnected cavities for longer MWCNTs, the average diameters of the cavities
being shorter for shorter nanotubes. This cross-linking of MWCNTs provides a
larger surface for cell attachment and improves the mechanical properties of the
structure.
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