Tohoku University in Japan develops a carbon nanotube conducting path on cell culture media
September 26 01:15:22, 2025
A research team from the Advanced Research Institute for Atomic and Molecular Materials (AIMR) at Tohoku University in Japan has developed an innovative technique to vertically align carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a cell culture substrate. This breakthrough has shown promising results, with conductivity in the vertical direction being approximately 40 times higher than in the horizontal direction. When used for culturing myocytes, the technology significantly enhances the efficiency of cell differentiation and maturation. The method holds great potential for applications in regenerative medicine, biosensors, and other bioengineering fields. The findings were published in the online edition of *Scientific Reports* on March 19, 2014.
The image above illustrates the sheet manufacturing process, showing how CNTs are aligned within a hydrogel matrix. In the field of regenerative medicine, creating three-dimensional structures that support cell adhesion and interaction is crucial. One popular approach involves using hydrogels—materials known for their biocompatibility and high water content. These properties make them ideal for supporting cell growth and function.
To improve the performance of these materials, researchers at Tohoku University have developed a method to align CNTs vertically within a gelatin-methyl methacrylate graft copolymer (GelMA) matrix. The process involves placing a mixture of GelMA precursor and CNTs between two transparent electrodes made of ITO (indium tin oxide). By applying a vertical electric field, the CNTs are oriented perpendicular to the surface due to dielectrophoretic forces. Once aligned, ultraviolet light is used to cross-link and cure the gel, resulting in a CNT-aligned hydrogel sheet.
Tests on the electrical conductivity of this hybrid material revealed that the vertical conductivity was about 40 times greater than the horizontal direction. Moreover, the mechanical strength of the vertically aligned CNT-GelMA hydrogel exceeded that of randomly arranged CNT hydrogels. This improvement suggests better structural integrity and functionality for biological applications.
The team also observed that as conductivity increased, so did the efficiency of cell culture. When myoblasts (C2C12 cells) were cultured on the vertically aligned sheets and subjected to electrical stimulation, they produced more mature myocytes compared to traditional methods. This advancement could lead to more effective tissue engineering strategies and improved cellular responses in biomedical applications.
This research highlights the growing importance of integrating advanced materials like CNTs with biocompatible matrices to enhance cell behavior and function. It represents a significant step forward in the development of next-generation biomaterials for medical and scientific use.
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