Preparation of MWCNT/PLLA nanocomposite scaffolds for application in nerve tissue engineering and evaluation of their physical, mechanical and cellular activity properties

This study was aimed to prepare bio-degradable and porous nanocomposite scaffolds with microtubulesorientation structure as a model for nerve tissue engineering by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) methodusing dioxane as the solvent and crystalline poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), PLLA/Multiwall carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs). Relationship between solvent crystallization, microtubules orientation structure, and tubes diameters ofthe scaffold and fundamental system parameters including polymer and nanotube concentration and temperaturegradientof the system are studied here by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Image J software. Effects ofcarbon nanotubes on the dynamic mechanical thermal property of the scaffolds was also investigated. In-vitro studieswere also conducted by using P19 mouse embryonic carcinoma cell line as a suitable model system to analyze neuronaldifferentiation over a 2-week period. Immunofluorescence staining technique were used to confirm the cells attachmentand differentiation on surface of the scaffolds. From the obtained results, we can conclude the PLLA/MWCNTnanocomposite scaffolds enhanced the nerve cell differentiation and proliferation, therefore acted as a positive cue tosupport neurite outgrowth.

Keywords:

nerve tissue engineering , scaffold , phase separation , multiwall carbon nanotubes , poly(L-lactic acid)