Year: 2011
Type: review
Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are remarkable materials with a simple and inert molecular structure that gives rise to a range of potentially valuable physical and electronic properties, including high aspect ratio, high mechanical strength and excellent electrical conductivity. This review summarizes recent research on the application of CNT-based materials to study and control cells of the nervous system. It includes the use of CNT as cell culture substrates, to create patterned surfaces and to study cell-matrix interactions. It also summarizes recent investigations of CNT toxicity, particularly as related to neural cells. The application of CNT-based materials to directing the differentiation of progenitor and stem cells toward neural lineages is also discussed. The emphasis is on how CNT surface chemistry and nanotopography can be altered, and how such changes can affect neural cell function. This knowledge can be applied to creating improved neural interfaces and devices, as well as providing new approaches to neural tissue engineering and regeneration.
Source: Journal of Neural Engineering
Authors: Christopher M Voge, Jan P Stegemann
Institution: University of Michigan
Language: English
Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2057071025