Robust neurite extension following exogenous electrical stimulation within single walled carbon nanotube-composite hydrogels.

ABSTRACT:

Unlabelled

The use of exogenous electrical stimulation to promote nerve regeneration has achieved only limited success. Conditions impeding optimized outgrowth may arise from inadequate stimulus presentation due to differences in injury geometry or signal attenuation. Implantation of an electrically-conductive biomaterial may mitigate this attenuation and provide a more reproducible signal. In this study, a conductive nanofiller (single-walled carbon nanotubes [SWCNT]) was selected as one possible material to manipulate the bulk electrical properties of a collagen type I-10% Matrigel™ composite hydrogel. Neurite outgrowth within hydrogels (SWCNT or nanofiller-free controls) was characterized to determine if: (1) nanofillers influence neurite extension and (2) electrical stimulation

SUBMITTER: Koppes AN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4905806 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature