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Primary aim
To investigate the response of
osteoblast cells to culture on multi-wall carbon nanotubes
(MWCNTs) of similar diameter to collagen fibres –
a common constituent of the extracellular matrix.
Nanofibrous materials
such as these are interesting candidates
for the development of tissue engineering scaffolds
[MORE].
In this study, we investigate the
response of human lung
epithelial cells (A549), osteoblast-like cells (MG63),
and primary foetal osteoblasts to a model nanofibre
system over a 7 day period. A low density array of
multiwalled carbon nanotubes (dia. 35nm) provides
a non-degradable, stiff, nanofibrous surface
for cell culture investigation.
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We find that cells attach
and survive on MWCNTs, although
proliferation is not as rapid as found on flat
control substrates. Immunofluorescent vinculin
staining revealed that small point-contacts are produced
by cells attached to MWCNTs. Larger focal adhesions, as
typically found in two dimensional surface culture, were
not observed in cells attached to the nanotube substrates
[MORE].
The MWCNT arrays provide a simple, yet effective, model
system with which to develop a better understanding of
cell responses to nanofibrous constructs which are relevant
to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine [MORE].
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