Carbon nanotubes increase the electrical conductivity of fibroblast-seeded collagen hydrogels.

摘要: Abstract Carbon nanotubes are attractive as additives in fiber-reinforced composites due to their high aspect ratio, strength and electrical conductivity. In the present study, solubilized collagen Type I was polymerized presence of dispersed single-walled carbon (SWNT) human dermal fibroblast cells (HDF) produce collagen–SWNT composite biomaterials with HDF embedded directly matrix. The resulting constructs, SWNT loadings 0 (control), 0.8, 2.0 4.0 wt.% SWNT, were cultured properties evaluated frequency range 5–500 kHz at days 3 7. All hydrogel matrices underwent HDF-mediated gel compaction over time culture, but significantly decreased rate extent compaction. Viability all constructs consistently cell morphology not affected by SWNT. However, number day 7 culture increasing loading. Electrical conductivity varied from 7 mS cm −1 , depending on loading level. Conductivity increased uniformly ( R  = 0.78) showed a modest dependence, suggesting that percolation threshold had been reached these materials. These data demonstrate cell-seeded gels can be through incorporation nanotubes. Protein–SWNT materials may have application scaffolds for tissue engineering, substrates study stimulation cells, transducers or leads biosensors.