Tohoku University in Japan develops a carbon nanotube conducting path on cell culture media

September 26 01:19:25, 2025

A research team from the Advanced Research Institute for Atomic and Molecular Materials (AIMR) at Tohoku University in Japan has developed a groundbreaking technique to vertically align carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a cell culture substrate. This innovation has shown promising results, with conductivity in the vertical direction being approximately 40 times higher than in the horizontal direction. When used to grow myocytes, the technology significantly enhances the efficiency of cell differentiation and maturation. The potential applications of this material range from regenerative medicine to biosensors, making it a highly anticipated advancement in biomedical engineering. The study was published online in *Scientific Reports* on March 19, 2014. The image above illustrates the sheet manufacturing process. In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing three-dimensional matrix materials that can support cell-cell adhesion and spatial organization—key factors in advancing regenerative medicine. One popular approach involves using hydrogels, which are biocompatible and contain a high water content, making them ideal for cell culture environments. Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully aligned CNTs vertically within a GelMA (Gelatin-methyl methacrylate graft copolymer) matrix. The process begins by placing a mixture of GelMA precursor and CNTs between two transparent electrodes made of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). An electric field is then applied vertically, causing the CNTs to align due to dielectrophoretic forces. After UV light exposure, the gel is cross-linked, forming a hydrogel sheet with vertically aligned CNTs. Tests on the conductivity of the CNT-GelMA hybrid material revealed that its vertical conductivity was about 40 times greater than its horizontal conductivity. Moreover, the mechanical strength of the material was found to be superior to that of randomly oriented CNT hydrogels. These improvements make the material more suitable for long-term cell culture and functional applications. The team also observed that increased conductivity led to enhanced cell growth. When myoblasts (C2C12 cells) were cultured on the vertically aligned CNT sheets and subjected to electrical stimulation, a higher number of mature myocytes were produced compared to traditional methods. This discovery highlights the potential of this technology in improving tissue engineering and cell-based therapies. (Author: Junichi at large, Nikkei Online Technology Feeds)

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