Carbon nanotube biocompatibility with primary sensory neurons

Abstract

The repair of peripheral nerve lesions presents a common clinical challenge, with those injured suffering from an array of debilitating symptoms and sensory or motor handicaps. The current method of repairing peripheral nerve lesions involves the use of nerve autografts or artificial nerve repair conduits to bridge the gap between the two ends of the damaged nerve. However, results from the use of these techniques rarely produce full functional recovery. Several studies have shown that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be used as a successful substrate for the growth and guidance of neurons. These data suggest CNTs could be used as a neural tissue scaffold that may be incorporated into the lumen of existing nerve repair conduits to enhance axonal guidance at the nanoscale. Despite the substantial interest in the use of CNTs as a biomaterial in neurobiology, very little is understood about the interactions of CNT’s with neurons. The aim of this research project is to 1) provide an assessment of CNT biocompatibility with cells of the peripheral nervous system and 2) assess the ability of a CNT substrate to support neurite outgrowth.

Date of Award	Oct 2010
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Brighton
Supervisor	Jimi Adu (Supervisor), Paul Tomlins (Supervisor) & Sergey Mikhalovsky (Supervisor)