title: Biofunctionalized carbon nanotubes in neural regeneration: a mini-review.
abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have become an intriguing and promising biomaterial platform for the regeneration and functional recovery of damaged nerve tissues. The unique electrical, structural and mechanical properties, diversity of available surface chemistry and cell-penetrating ability of CNTs have made them useful implantable matrices or carriers for the delivery of therapeutic molecules. Although there are still challenges being faced in the clinical applications of CNTs mainly due to their toxicity, many studies to overcome this issue have been published. Modification of CNTs with chemical groups to ensure their dissolution in aqueous media is one possible solution. Functionalization of CNTs with biologically relevant and effective molecules (biofunctionalization) is also a promising strategy to provide better biocompatibility and selectivity for neural regeneration. Here, we review recent advances in the use of CNTs to promote neural regeneration.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Tissue Regeneration and Engineering, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Young
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Ueon Sang
authors.initials: US
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Won-Cheoul
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.forename: Jung Keun
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Hyun
authors.forename: Ivan B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Wall
authors.forename: Hae-Won
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D016501:Neurites / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000473:pathology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000628:therapy; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon