Carbon nanotube fibers are compatible with Mammalian cells and neurons.
We demonstrate the biocompatibility of carbon nanotube fibers (CNFs) fabricated from single-wall carbon nanotubes. Produced by a particle-coagulation spinning process, CNFs are "hair-like" conductive microwires, which uniquely combine properties of porous nanostructured scaffolds, high-area electrodes, and permeable microfluidic conduits. We report that CNFs are nontoxic and support the attachment, spreading, and growth of mammalian cells and the extension of processes from neurons in vitro. Our findings suggest that CNF may be employed for an electrical interfacing of nerve cells and external devices.
Dubin
R A
RA
New Jersey Center for Biomaterials, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
Callegari
G
G
Kohn
J
J
Neimark
A
A
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects*; D008422:Materials Testing; D051379:Mice; D041681:NIH 3T3 Cells; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D010316:Particle Size
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon