Stout D.A., Webster T.J.
Brown Univeristy, US
Keywords: carbon nanofibers, cardiomyocytes, nanocomposite, poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid
In recent research, it was demonstrated that the use of nano-materials can promote the growth of cardiomyocytes when compared to the use of conventional or micro-structured materials. One such nano-material consisted of poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) where it was shown that cardiomyocytes proliferated faster on the composites compared to a pure PLGA film after 5 days. The object of this study is to better understand the cytocompatibility properties of this composite material for myocardial applications by using electrical stimulation which mimics that of the heart. For this reason, an in vitro continuous electrical stimulation model was used to determine cardiomyocyte functions on PLGA: CNF composite materials. The present work demonstrates that a simple solution-mixing-drying based synthesis route can be adopted to develop PLGA:CNF hybrid biocomposites over a broad composition range possessing a uniform distribution of CNF without any clustering and using electrical stimulation to mimic heart conditions to promote cardiomyocyte growth.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2012: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy (Volume 3)
Published: June 18, 2012
Pages: 246 - 249
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Cancer Nanotechnology
ISBN: 978-1-4665-6276-9