Thrombogenicity and blood coagulation of a microcatheter prepared from carbon nanotube-nylon-based composite

Nanotechnology development in surgical applications: recent trends and developments

This paper gives a detailed analysis of nanotechnology's rising involvement in numerous surgical fields. We investigate the use of nanotechnology in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, surgical oncology, heart surgery, vascular surgery, ophthalmic surgery, thoracic surgery, and minimally invasive surgery. The paper details how nanotechnology helps with arthroplasty, chondrogenesis, tissue regeneration, wound healing, and more. It also discusses the employment of nanomaterials in implant surfaces, bone grafting, and breast implants, among other things. The article also explores various nanotechnology uses, including stem cell-incorporated nano scaffolds, nano-surgery, hemostasis, nerve healing, nanorobots, and diagnostic applications. The ethical and safety implications of using nanotechnology in surgery are also addressed. The future possibilities of nanotechnology are investigated, pointing to a possible route for improved patient outcomes. The essay finishes with a comment on nanotechnology's transformational influence in surgical applications and its promise for future breakthroughs.

Development of Antithrombogenic ECM-Based Nanocomposite Heart Valve Leaflets

Thrombogenicity, which is commonly encountered in artificial heart valves after replacement surgeries, causes valvular failure. Even life-long anticoagulant drug use may not be sufficient to prevent thrombogenicity. In this study, it was aimed to develop a heart valve construct with antithrombogenic properties and suitable mechanical strength by combining multiwalled carbon nanotubes within a decellularized bovine pericardium. In this context, the decellularization process was performed by using the combination of freeze–thawing and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Evaluation of decellularization efficiency was determined by histology (Hematoxylin and Eosin, DAPI and Masson’s Trichrome) and biochemical (DNA, sGAG and collagen) analyses. After the decellularization process of the bovine pericardium, composite pericardial tissues were prepared by incorporating −COOH-modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Characterization of MWCNT incorporation was performed by ATR-FTIR, TGA, and mechanical analysis, while SEM and AFM were used for morphological evaluations. Thrombogenicity assessments were studied by platelet adhesion test, Calcein-AM staining, kinetic blood clotting, hemolysis, and cytotoxicity analyses. As a result of this study, the composite pericardial material revealed improved mechanical and thermal stability and hemocompatibility in comparison to decellularized pericardium, without toxicity. Approximately 100% success is achieved in preventing platelet adhesion. In addition, kinetic blood-coagulation analysis demonstrated a low rate and slow coagulation kinetics, while the hemolysis index was below the permissible limit for biomaterials.

Current trends in Nanotechnology applications in surgical specialties and orthopedic surgery

Nanotechnology is manipulation of matter on atomic, molecular and supramolecular scale. It has extensive range of applications in various branches of science including molecular biology, Health and medicine, materials, electronics, transportation, drugs and drug delivery, chemical sensing, space exploration, energy, environment, sensors, diagnostics, microfabrication, organic chemistry and biomaterials. Nanotechnology involves innovations in drug delivery,fabric design, reactivity and strength of material and molecular manufacturing. Nanotechnology applications are spread over almost all surgical specialties and have revolutionized treatment of various medical and surgical conditions. Clinically relevant applications of nanotechnology in surgical specialties include development of surgical instruments, suture materials, imaging, targeted drug therapy, visualization methods and wound healing techniques. Management of burn wounds and scar is an important application of nanotechnology.Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various orthopedic conditions are crucial aspects of technology for functional recovery of patients. Improvement in standard of patient care,clinical trials, research, and development of medical equipments for safe use are improved with nanotechnology. They have a potential for long-term good results in a variety of surgical specialties including orthopedic surgery in the years to come.

Biodegradable and biomimetic elastomeric scaffolds for tissue-engineered heart valves

Valvular heart diseases are the third leading cause of cardiovascular disease, resulting in more than 25,000 deaths annually in the United States. Heart valve tissue engineering (HVTE) has emerged as a putative treatment strategy such that the designed construct would ideally withstand native dynamic mechanical environment, guide regeneration of the diseased tissue and more importantly, have the ability to grow with the patient. These desired functions could be achieved by biomimetic design of tissue-engineered constructs that recapitulate in vivo heart valve microenvironment with biomimetic architecture, optimal mechanical properties and possess suitable biodegradability and biocompatibility. Synthetic biodegradable elastomers have gained interest in HVTE due to their excellent mechanical compliance, controllable chemical structure and tunable degradability. This review focuses on the state-of-art strategies to engineer biomimetic elastomeric scaffolds for HVTE. We first discuss the various types of biodegradable synthetic elastomers and their key properties. We then highlight tissue engineering approaches to recreate some of the features in the heart valve microenvironment such as anisotropic and hierarchical tri-layered architecture, mechanical anisotropy and biocompatibility.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Heart valve tissue engineering (HVTE) is of special significance to overcome the drawbacks of current valve replacements. Although biodegradable synthetic elastomers have emerged as promising materials for HVTE, a mature HVTE construct made from synthetic elastomers for clinical use remains to be developed. Hence, this review summarized various types of biodegradable synthetic elastomers and their key properties. The major focus that distinguishes this review from the current literature is the thorough discussion on the key features of native valve microenvironments and various up-and-coming approaches to engineer synthetic elastomers to recreate these features such as anisotropic tri-layered architecture, mechanical anisotropy, biodegradability and biocompatibility. This review is envisioned to inspire and instruct the design of functional HVTE constructs and facilitate their clinical translation.

Effect of single-walled carbon nanotubes on tumor cells viability and formation of multicellular tumor spheroids

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the impact of different concentrations of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on cell viability of breast adenocarcinoma, MCF-7 line, and formation of multicellular tumor spheroids (MTS). Chemical composition and purity of nanotubes is controlled by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The strength and direction of the influence of SWCNTs on the tumor cell population was assessed by cell counting and measurement of the volume of multicellular tumor spheroids. Effect of SWCNTs on the formation of multicellular spheroids was compared with the results obtained by culturing tumor cells with ultra dispersed diamonds (UDDs). Our results demonstrated that SWCNTs at concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 50 μg/ml did not have cytotoxic influence on tumor cells; instead, they had weak cytostatic effect. The increasing of SWCNTs concentration to 100 to 200 μg/ml stimulated proliferation of tumor cells, especially in suspension fractions. The result of this influence was in formation of more MTS in cell culture with SWCNTs compared with UDDs and control samples. In result, the median volume of MTS after cultivation with SWCNTs at 100 to 200 μg/ml concentrations is 3 to 5 times greater than that in samples which were incubated with the UDDs and is 2.5 times greater than that in control cultures. So, if SWCNTs reduced cell adhesion to substrate and stimulated formation of tumor cell aggregates volume near 7 · 10(-3) mm(3), at the same time, UDDs reduced adhesion and cohesive ability of cells and stimulated generation of cell spheroids volume no more than 4 · 10(-3) mm(3). Our results could be useful for the control of cell growth in three-dimensional culture.

PACS

61. 46 + w; 61.48 + c; 61.48De; 87.15-v; 87.64-t.

Sequentially releasing dual-drug-loaded PLGA-casein core/shell nanomedicine: design, synthesis, biocompatibility and pharmacokinetics

The present study reports an engineered poly-l-lactide-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-casein polymer-protein hybrid nanocarrier 190±12nm in size entrapping a combination of chemically distinct (hydrophobic/hydrophilic) model drugs. A simple emulsion-precipitation route was adopted to prepare nearly monodispersed nanoparticles with distinct core/shell morphology entrapping paclitaxel (Ptx) in the core and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in the shell, with the intention of providing a sequential and sustained release of these drugs. The idea was that an early release of EGCG would substantially increase the sensitivity of Ptx to cancer, thereby providing improved therapeutics at lower concentrations, with less toxicity. The hemo- and immunocompatibility of the core/shell nanomedicine was established in this study. The core/shell nanoparticles injected via the tail vein in Sprague-Dawley rats did not reveal any organ toxicity as was evident from histopathological evaluations of the major organs. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats by high-performance liquid chromatography confirmed a sustained and sequential release of both the drugs in plasma, indicating prolonged circulation of the nanomedicine and enhanced availability of the drugs when compared to the bare drugs. Overall, the polymer-protein multilayered nanoparticles proved to be a promising platform for nanopolypharmaceutics.

Bioactive surface design based on functional composite electrospun nanofibers for biomolecule immobilization and biosensor applications

The combination of nanomaterials and conducting polymers attracted remarkable attention for development of new immobilization matrices for enzymes. Hereby, an efficient surface design was investigated by modifying the graphite rod electrode surfaces with one-step electrospun nylon 6,6 nanofibers or 4% (w/w) multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) incorporating nylon 6,6 nanofibers (nylon 6,6/4MWCNT). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy study confirmed the successful incorporation of the MWCNTs into the nanofiber matrix for nylon 6,6/4MWCNT sample. Then, these nanofibrous surfaces were coated with a conducting polymer, (poly-4-(4,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)benzaldehyde) (PBIBA) to obtain a high electroactive surface area as new functional immobilization matrices. Due to the free aldehyde groups of the polymeric structures, a model enzyme, glucose oxidase was efficiently immobilized to the modified surfaces via covalent binding. Scanning electron microscope images confirmed that the nanofibrous structures were protected after the electrodeposition step of PBIBA and a high amount of protein attachment was successfully achieved by the help of high surface to volume ratio of electroactive nanofiber matrices. The biosensors were characterized in terms of their operational and storage stabilities and kinetic parameters (K(m)(app) and Imax). The resulting novel glucose biosensors revealed good stability and promising Imax values (10.03 and 16.67 μA for nylon 6,6/PBIBA and nylon 6,6/4MWCNT/PBIBA modified biosensors, respectively) and long shelf life (32 and 44 days for nylon 6,6/PBIBA and nylon 6,6/4MWCNT/PBIBA modified biosensors, respectively). Finally, the biosensor was tested on beverages for glucose detection.

Therapeutic applications of carbon nanotubes: opportunities and challenges

Based on their physicochemical properties that allow efficient functionalization with biomolecules and cellular membrane translocation, as well as on their applications in Raman and near-infrared fluorescence imaging, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been proposed as viable candidates for developing therapeutic platforms that ensure targeting of tumor cells without affecting healthy cells. This article reviews the research on toxicological effects of CNTs on host cells, as well as their pharmacological profiles on cancer cells. The potential impact of this approach is discussed along with some potential pitfalls that will need to be overcome when therapeutic implementation CNTs are considered. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Polymer Composites Reinforced by Nanotubes as Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

The interest in polymer based composites for tissue engineering applications has been increasing in recent years. Nanotubes materials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and noncarbonic nanotubes, with unique electrical, mechanical, and surface properties, such as high aspect ratio, have long been recognized as effective reinforced materials for enhancing the mechanical properties of polymer matrix. This review paper is an attempt to present a coherent yet concise review on the mechanical and biocompatibility properties of CNTs and noncarbonic nanotubes/polymer composites, such as Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and Tungsten disulfide nanotubes (WSNTs) reinforced polymer composites which are used as scaffolds for tissue engineering. We also introduced different preparation methods of CNTs/polymer composites, such as in situ polymerization, solution mixing, melt blending, and latex technology, each of them has its own advantages.

Carbon Nanotubes: Present and Future Commercial Applications

Worldwide commercial interest in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is reflected in a production capacity that presently exceeds several thousand tons per year. Currently, bulk CNT powders are incorporated in diverse commercial products ranging from rechargeable batteries, automotive parts, and sporting goods to boat hulls and water filters. Advances in CNT synthesis, purification, and chemical modification are enabling integration of CNTs in thin-film electronics and large-area coatings. Although not yet providing compelling mechanical strength or electrical or thermal conductivities for many applications, CNT yarns and sheets already have promising performance for applications including supercapacitors, actuators, and lightweight electromagnetic shields.

The role of iron impurities in the toxic effects exerted by short multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in murine alveolar macrophages

Lung toxicity mediated by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) has been widely demonstrated and recently associated with induction of carcinogenic asbestos-like effects, but the chemical features that drive this toxic effect have still not been well elucidated. The presence of metals as trace contaminants during MWCNT preparation, in particular iron (Fe) impurities, plays an important role in determining a different cellular response to MWCNT. Our goal was to clarify the mechanisms underlying MWCNT-induced toxicity with correlation to the presence of Fe impurities by exposing murine alveolar macrophages to two different MWCNT samples, which differed only in the presence or absence of Fe. Data showed that only Fe-rich MWCNT were significantly cytotoxic and genotoxic and induced a potent cellular oxidative stress, while Fe-free MWCNT did not exert any of these adverse effects. These results confirm that Fe content represents an important key constituent in promoting MWCNT-induced toxicity, and this needs to be taken into consideration when planning new, safer preparation routes.

Carbon Nanotube Composite Scaffolds and Coatings for Tissue Engineering Applications

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are composed of two-dimensional hexagonal graphite sheets rolled up to form into a seamless hollow tube or cylinder of diameters ranging from 0.7 to 100 nm and length of several micrometres up to several millimetres [1, 2]. CNTs can be synthesised in two configurations, as single-walled nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled nanotubes (MWCNTs). Whereas SWCNTs are made of one tubular structure, MWCNTs consist of concentrically arranged carbon tubes with a typical spacing of ≈ 0.34 nm between the different layers. Owing to their remarkable structural characteristics (light weight, high aspect ratio, high specific surface area), as well as attractive mechanical (high stiffness and strength), electrical (high conductivity) and chemical (versatile surface chemistry, easily to functionalise) properties [2], there is increasing interest in biomedical applications of CNTs.

Biomaterials for vascular tissue engineering

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the USA. The limited availability of healthy autologous vessels for bypass grafting procedures has led to the fabrication of prosthetic vascular conduits. While synthetic polymers have been extensively studied as substitutes in vascular engineering, they fall short of meeting the biological challenges at the blood-material interface. Various tissue engineering strategies have emerged to address these flaws and increase long-term patency of vascular grafts. Vascular cell seeding of scaffolds and the design of bioactive polymers for in situ arterial regeneration have yielded promising results. This article describes the advances made in biomaterials design to generate suitable materials that not only match the mechanical properties of native vasculature, but also promote cell growth, facilitate extracellular matrix production and inhibit thrombogenicity.

EFFECT OF MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES ON VIABILITY AND SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE EXPRESSION IN HUMAN WOUND PATHOGENS

Recently, a wide variety of bionanocomposites and biocomposites are being developed to be used as extracellular matrix for chronic wound healing. Majority of the chronic wound situations arise due to infections caused by drug-resistant microbes like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In particular S. aureus has become refractory to the current armamentarium of antimicrobial drugs. Therefore, it is imperative while designing nanobiocomposites for use as extracellular matrices to profile their antimicrobial activity. MWNT (multi-wall carbon nanotube) has been exploited previously in designing biocompatible nanocomposite for medical applications. Keeping in view, we studied the antimicrobial effect of MWNT on human clinical burn/wound pathogens, which were Methicillin-resistant Staphylococci and one Vancomycin intermediate Staphylococcus isolate. We also studied E. coli NCTC 10418 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCTC 10662, two surrogate gram negative microbes to understand their behavior in the presence of MWNT. Apart from reduction in viable counts of the test panel, organism's extracellular expression of the enzyme Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was also taken into account as this is the probable mechanism adopted by bacteria in general to survive and sustain under nutritional and other stress situation including pathogenesis. The present study indicated that all Staphylococcal isolates were susceptible to MWNT which reduced the bacterial count between 3–9 logs barring Sau G19 which only exhibited 1 log reduction. Sau G17, Sau G18, and Sau G19 expressed a higher SOD activity, Sau G9 exhibited a lower SOD expression and in Sau G16, the SOD expression was nearly the same as compared to control. Thus, from this study, it could be inferred that MWNT, apart from being antimicrobial, induces oxidative stress on S. aureus.

Development of cardiovascular bypass grafts: endothelialization and applications of nanotechnology

There is a critical clinical need for small-diameter bypass grafts, with applications involved in the coronary artery and lower limb. Commercially available materials give rise to unfavorable responses when in contact with blood and subjected to low-flow hemodynamics and, thus, are nonideal as small-diameter bypass grafts. Optimizing the mechanical properties to match both the native artery and the graft surfaces has received keen attention. Endothelialization of bypass grafts is considered a protective mechanism where the biochemicals produced from endothelial cells exert a range of favorable responses, including antithrombotic, noninflammatory responses and inhibition of intimal hyperplasia. In situ endothelialization is most desirable. Nanotechnology approaches facilitate all aspects of endothelialization, including endothelial progenitor cell mobilization, migration, adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. 'Surface nanoarchitecturing mechanisms', which mimic the natural extracellular matrix to optimize endothelial progenitor cell interaction and controlled delivery of various factors in the form of nanoparticles, which can be combined with gene therapy, are of keen interest. This article discusses the development of bypass grafts, focusing on the optimization of the biological properties of mechanically suitable grafts.

Carbon nanotubes with high bone-tissue compatibility and bone-formation acceleration effects

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been used in various fields as composites with other substances or alone to develop highly functional materials. CNTs hold great interest with respect to biomaterials, particularly those to be positioned in contact with bone such as prostheses for arthroplasty, plates or screws for fracture fixation, drug delivery systems, and scaffolding for bone regeneration. Accordingly, bone-tissue compatibility of CNTs and CNT influence on bone formation are important issues, but the effects of CNTs on bone have not been delineated. Here, it is found that multi-walled CNTs adjoining bone induce little local inflammatory reaction, show high bone-tissue compatibility, permit bone repair, become integrated into new bone, and accelerate bone formation stimulated by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). This study provides an initial investigational basis for CNTs in biomaterials that are used adjacent to bone, including uses to promote bone regeneration. These findings should encourage development of clinical treatment modalities involving CNTs.

Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanomaterials

Carbon nanomaterials show a variety of interesting chemical and physical properties. In this Minireview we focus on the mechanical properties of carbon nanomaterials with emphasis on carbon nanotubes and their composite materials. We introduce some recently developed components made of carbon nanotube composite materials and outline their importance for applications in everyday life.

Medical application of carbon-nanotube-filled nanocomposites: the microcatheter

Carbon nanotubes hold great promise for use in biomedical fields. Among numerous potential applications, including DNA and protein sensors, bioseparators, biocatalysts, and tissue scaffolds, this article emphasizes the use of carbon-nanotube-filled polymer composites as medical devices, namely, microcatheters. The currently hot topic of the biocompatibility (e.g., toxic properties) of carbon nanotubes is discussed. In addition, critical issues that must be clarified for the full utilization of current carbon-nanotube science and technology in biomedical fields are discussed.

Sodium chloride-catalyzed oxidation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes for environmental benefit

A sodium chloride (NaCl) catalyst (0.1 w/w %) lowers the oxidation temperature of graphitized multiwalled carbon nanotubes: MWCNT-20 (diameter: 20-70 nm) and MWCNT-80 (diameter: 80-150 nm). The analysis of the reaction kinetics indicates that the oxidation of MWCNT-20 and MWCNT-80 mixed with no NaCl exhibits single reaction processes with activation energies of E(a) = 159 and 152 kJ mol(-1), respectively. The oxidation reaction in the presence of NaCl is shown to consist of two different reaction processes, that is, a first reaction and a second reaction process. The first reaction process is dominant at a low temperature of around 600 degrees C, while the second reaction process becomes more dominant than the first one in a higher temperature region. The activation energies of the first reaction processes (MWCNT-20: E(a1) = 35.7 kJ mol(-1); MWCNT-80: E(a1) = 43.5 kJ mol(-1)) are much smaller than those of the second reaction processes (MWCNT-20: E(a2) = 170 kJ mol(-1); MWCNT-80: E(a2) = 171 kJ mol(-1)). The comparison of the kinetic parameters and the results of the spectroscopic and microscopic analyses imply that the lowering of the oxidation temperature in the presence of NaCl results from the introduction of disorder into the graphitized MWCNTs (during the first reaction process), thus increasing the facility of the oxidation reaction of the disorder-induced nanotubes (in the second reaction process). It is found that the larger nanopits and cracks on the outer graphitic layers are caused by the catalytic effect of NaCl. Therefore, the NaCl-mixed samples showed more rapid and stronger oxidation compared with that of the nonmixed samples at the same residual quantity.

Preparation and characterization of polyurethane-carbon nanotube composites

Well-dispersed and long-term stable carbon nanotubes/polyol dispersions were prepared by a mechanochemical approach with the aid of dispersing agent. Polyurethane (PU)-carbon nanotube nanocomposites were prepared by further polymerization. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) can be dispersed individually. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra suggested that the addition of carbon nanotubes improved the degree of phase separation of polyurethane. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) suggested that glass transition temperature () of polyurethane decreased with increasing carbon nanotube content slightly. Tensile test suggested that MWNT is more helpful to improve the modulus than single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT), which is more favourable to improve the elongation of polyurethane. The different reinforcing effects of MWNT and SWNT on PU were correlated to the shearing thinning exponent and the shape factor of carbon nanotubes in polyol dispersion. Raman shift of SWNTs can reflect the dispersion state of SWNT in polyol or in PU, and the interaction between polymer and SWNT. Both SWNT and MWNT can improve the thermal stability of polyurethane and thermal conductivity.