Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology

Abstract

Basic Research for Peripheral Neural Regeneration by CNTs, A Preliminary in vitro Study

Messina A, Mangione A, Basirico L and Messina JC

Purpose: The purpose of our study is to propose new insights into interactions between carbon nanotubes and neuron and glial cells electro-chemical activity.

Materials and methods: On each of N° 7 quartz substrates samples, N° 14 carbon nanotubes Spots have been prepared, grown on N° 7 Spots displayed in circular geometry and N° 7 on the base of different designed patterns and all vertically aligned. Every CNTs Spot were matched directly with groups of neuron and glial cells NOBEC derived from primary cells dissociated from neonatal rat olfactory bulb. In total N° 49 Spots in circular geometry and N° 49 in different designed patterns. Globally N° 98 Spots were tested, 14 of which were excluded for technical defects. The Study includes globally N° 84 Spots of CNTs.

Results: Scanning electron microscope observations showed that cells grew on CNTs and displayed numerous lamellopodes with signs of focal adhesion close to the CNT surface. From “in vitro” experiments we also observed: absence of cytotoxicity; cellular and molecular interaction with enhanced cellular proliferation; cellular axonal and dentritic regeneration; electrical stimulation and cells attraction towards CNTs assemblage. Additionally we observed the dissociative ability of glial and neuronal cells when matched and excitated to upset the carbon nanotubes arrays.

Conclusion: Our study investigated the interactions between living system and nano materials at molecular level to check the ability of CNTs to enhance numerous cellular mythosis and significant activity and development of filipodia and lamellopodia structures as it happens at the new axons sprouts.