Firkowska I., Giannona S., Rojas-Chapana J., Giersig M.
Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, DE
Keywords: carbon nanotubes, nanotopography, osteoblasts
The organization of cells within an extracellular matrix is critical to promote appropriate cellular interactions and tissue function in vivo. The ability to design and create a nano-patterning on surfaces provides new capabilities for tissue engineering and biomimetics. The purpose of this paper is to describe a technique using a lithographic approach combined with a controlled patterning of carbon nanotubes to provide nanoscaled topographies and geometries for tissue engineering. Results demonstrate that osteoblast cells respond to surface nanotopography based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with excellent adhesion and growth. The behaviour of the cells is influenced differently by the configuration of the nanotopography, microtopographical cues or their combination. On the other hand, the technique employed proves to be useful in patterning multiple cell types in well-defined three-dimensional geometries. This may be important for carrying out long-term biological experiments and tissue engineering in vitro.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2006 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 7, 2006
Pages: 115 - 118
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 0-9767985-7-3