Carbon Nanotube-Hydrogel Composites Facilitate Neuronal Differentiation While Maintaining Homeostasis of Network Activity.

ABSTRACT: It is often assumed that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) stimulate neuronal differentiation by transferring electrical signals and enhancing neuronal excitability. Given this, CNT-hydrogel composites are regarded as potential materials able to combine high electrical conductivity with biocompatibility, and therefore promote nerve regeneration. However, whether CNT-hydrogel composites actually influence neuronal differentiation and maturation, and how they do so remain elusive. In this study, CNT-hydrogel composites are prepared by in situ polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) around a preformed CNT meshwork. It is demonstrated that the composites facilitate long-term survival and differentiation of pheochromocytoma 12 cells. Adult neural stem cells cultured on the composites show an increased ne

SUBMITTER: Ye L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11468883 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature