In vitro evaluation of carbon nanotube-based scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering

Introduction Cartilage injuries are one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. Although a number of techniques have been designed to treat cartilage lesions, current research is focused on tissue engineering methods.... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction
Cartilage injuries are one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. Although a number of techniques have been designed to treat cartilage lesions, current research is focused on tissue engineering methods. Recent advances in molecular biology, biotechnology, and polymer science have led to both the experimental and clinical application of various cell types and biomaterials in the treatment of cartilage injuries.

Methods
This study reports an exceptionally good growth of chondrocytes on a 3D scaffold, based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The MWCNT-based nanostructural scaffold was fabricated employing a plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition technique. Articular cartilage specimens were taken from the distal femur of adolescent New Zealand White rabbits and chondrocytes were obtained by collagenase digestion. The quality of scaffolds was evaluated by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Cell-seeded constructs were visualized with SEM.

Results
Chondrocytes adhered to the MWCNTs surface and were evenly distributed. After one week of culture, the number of cells was tripled than, when cultured in a plastic flask. These cells displayed multiple cytoplasmic extensions, which bend the nanotubes, and the cell morphology was altered by the MWCNTs surface structure (Figure: Morphology of the chondrocyte on the novel scaffold).

Discussion
Our study confirmed that the MWCNT-based surface provides a very good scaffold, which can be used to stimulate the formation of the cartilage tissue.

Acknowledgment
This work was supported by UMO-2012/06/A/ST4/00373 grant from the National Science Centre (Poland).