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The effect of an electrically conductive carbon nanotube/collagen composite on neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells
Author(s) -
Cho Youngnam,
Borgens Richard Ben
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1552-4965
pISSN - 1549-3296
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.a.32841
Subject(s) - materials science , carbon nanotube , neurite , composite number , scanning electron microscope , electrical conductor , electrode , nanotechnology , composite material , biomedical engineering , biophysics , in vitro , chemistry , medicine , biochemistry , biology
We report the preparation of an electrically conductive composite composed of collagen and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and its use as a substrate for the in vitro growth of PC12 cells. Morphological observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated the homogenous dispersion of CNTs in the collagen matrix. Four‐point probe and cyclic voltammogram studies demonstrated the enhanced electroactivity and a lowered electrical resistivity of the resulting composites even at low loadings (<5%) of CNTs. Cellular metabolic activity was evaluated by the MTT assay. Cell viability was systematically related to the amount of CNTs embedded in the collagen matrix. SEM and immunofluorescent images have indicated that the morphological features of PC12 cells were dominantly influenced by electrical potential. Greater neurite extension was preferentially induced on the exposure of electrical stimulation by facilitating the differentiation of PC12 cells into neurons indicated by more significant filopodium extension. These electrically conductive, biocompatible CNT/collagen composites could be of benefit for the development of novel neural electrodes, enhancing the growth, differentiation, and branching of neurons in an electrically driven way. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.