Biocompatibility of carbon-nanotube coated surfaces

• Grant number: 06/01915-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: September 01, 2006
• End date: August 31, 2008
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Evaldo Jose Corat
• Grantee: Anderson de Oliveira Lobo
• Host Institution: Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Currently, nano-structured materials are of great interest in the bioengineering. Its physico-chemical properties influence cellular interactions that lead to tissue regeneration. It is seen as an advance for implanted surfaces. Among nano-structured materials the Carbon Nanotubes has great potential for biomedical applications, due to its singular properties, such as, high electric conductivity, high chemical stability, and high mechanical strenght. For this new material incorporation in biomedical applications, it is necessary research on its toxicity and biocompatibility, to evaluate its ability and performance in biological systems. The objective of this work will be to analyze the biocompatibility “in vitro” of Titanium and Carbon fibers surfaces coated with carbon nanotubes, to evaluate the possibility of “in vivo” tests and possible applications of carbon nanotube coated surfaces to be implanted. The films of carbon nanotubes will be grown on Titanium and Carbon fibers surfaces at the Associated Laboratory of Sensors and Materiais (LAS/INPE). The biocompatibility tests (direct, indirect citotoxicity and cellular adhesion) will be carried through in the Laboratory of Culture of Cells of the UNIVAP. For the tests, cultures of fibroblasts (L-929 mouse cells) and osteoblasts (HOB - Human Medulla Osteoblasts) will be used. As result, it is expected to prove the biocompatibility “in vitro” of the carbon nanotubes conjugated with these substrate materials.