Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The interaction between CNTs and cells might include mechanical sticking as
well as insertion of nanotube tips into the cells.
MacDonald et al. 115 investigated CNTs' compatibility with rat aortic smooth
muscle cells. CNTs formed composites with collagen. Rat aortic smooth
muscle cells were cultured inside the CNT/collagen scaffolds. Cell viability,
proliferation and morphology were not signiicantly changed.
Non-woven SWNTs appeared to be a good substrate for the growth of
mouse ibroblast cell 3T3-L1. 116 Compared with blank, polyether polyurethane
and carbon ibres, the existence of SWNTs signiicantly enhanced the
cell adhesion and proliferation. Observation of the cytoskeleton through
luorescence labelling of actin revealed that cells sensed better growing
environments and produced stronger responses to SWNTs than to the plain
polyether polyurethane ilm.
Correa-Duarte's study 117 suggested that 3D CNT networks are ideal
scaffolds for murine ibrosarcoma L929 cell growth. SEM showed that after
incubation for 1 day, most of L929 cells attached on the CNT network, while
7 days' growth resulted in most CNT surfaces' being covered by the cell
layer. The extensive adhesion, growth and spreading of the ibroblast cells
suggested the 3D network's potential application.
7.4 CONCLUSIONS
CNTs are novel materials with special properties, and they are becoming
more and more attractive in the areas of chemistry, physics, biomedicine,
biosensing as well as bio-interfacial engineering.
CNTs have been widely studied for biosensing applications. Because of
their electronic and structural properties, they can be used to prepare various
kinds of sensors, such as mass/force sensors, chemical sensors, structure
sensors, electric probes, microscope sensors as well as liquid low sensors.
Moreover, CNTs can emit luorescence upon excitation by light or current, and
the spectra can relect the changes of chemical and physical environments. It
is easy to translate the changes to electric signals, because CNTs can act as
nano-electric transistors, resistors, capacitors, and so on.
In addition to biosensing, CNTs have also been widely studied for their
possible application in bio-interfacial materials. CNTs were found to represent
good materials for growth of bone, neural, stem and some other cells.
On the basis of these studies, we believe that CNTs are promising materials
in biosensing and bio-interfacial areas.
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