Cellular interactions and stimulated biological functions mediated by nanostructured carbon for tissue reconstruction and tracheal tubes and sutures

• Published in: Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A 2013-02, Vol.101A (2), p.528-536
• Main Authors: Misra, R. D. K., Chaudhari, P. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: actin cytoskeleton; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Caprolactam - analogs & derivatives; Caprolactam - pharmacology; Carbon - pharmacology; Cell Adhesion - drug effects; Cell Communication - drug effects; Cell Proliferation - drug effects; Cell Shape - drug effects; Cell Survival - drug effects; Densitometry; fibronectin; Fibronectins - metabolism; focal adhesion contacts; Focal Adhesions - drug effects; Focal Adhesions - metabolism; graphene oxide; Graphite - pharmacology; Immunohistochemistry; Medical sciences; Mice; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Nanostructures - chemistry; Nanostructures - ultrastructure; nylon; osteoblasts; Osteoblasts - cytology; Osteoblasts - drug effects; Osteoblasts - ultrastructure; Polymers - pharmacology; Regeneration - drug effects; Stress Fibers - drug effects; Stress Fibers - metabolism; Surface Properties; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Sutures; Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments; Tissue Engineering - methods; Trachea - drug effects; Trachea - physiology
• ISSN: 1549-3296; 1552-4965
• DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.34351

Nylon 6,6 is used for biological applications including gastrointestinal segments, tracheal tubes and sutures, vascular graft, and for hard tissue reconstruction. While it is a relatively inexpensive polymer, it is not widely acceptable as a preferred biomaterial because of bioactivity. To this end, we have discovered the exciting evidence that introduction of a novel nanostructured carbon, graphene, in the void space between the nylon chains and processing at elevated pressure favorably stimulates cellular functions and provides high degree of cytocompatibility. The cell–substrate interactions on stand alone Nylon 6,6 and Nylon 6,6‐graphene oxide hybrid system were investigated in terms of cell attachment, viability, proliferation, and assessment of proteins, actin, vinculin, and fibronectin. The enhanced biological functions in the nanostructured hybrid system are attributed to relatively superior hydrophilicity of the surface and to the presence of graphene. Furthermore, it is proposed that the negatively charged graphene interacts with the polar nature of cells and the culture medium, such that the interaction is promoted through polar forces. This is accomplished by investigating cell attachment, proliferation, and morphology, including cytomorphometry evaluation, and quantitative assessment of prominent proteins, actin, vinculin, and fibronectin that are sensitive to cell–substrate interactions. Osteoblasts were studied to establish the practical viability of the hybrid nanostructured biomaterial. The study strengthens the foundation for utilizing nano‐ or quantum‐size effects of nanostructured biomaterials. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.