Electric-field assisted alignment of carbon nanotubes as a template for tissue engineering

Tissue engineering is a field that is rapidly developing to create tissue replacements for people suffering from diseases. This area of research consists of methods to create tissue of random or defined dimensions that is suitable for implantation into the body. A tissue of defined dimensions first requires a template for cells to infiltrate and then produce tissue. This thesis aims to explore operating variables to create an organized carbon nanotube (CNT) template and the effects of this oriented template on cellular growth and alignment. To create a CNT template, dielectrophoresis (DEP) was used to align multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT). DEP is a technique that uses non-uniform electric fields to manipulate nano- and micron-sized particles suspended in solution. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was able to suspend the MWNT, but failed to lead to a qualitatively aligned MWNT template using DEP. Aqueous solutions of Pluronic F-127 were able to suspend MWNT and lead to an aligned MWNT template using DEP. The effects of Pluronic concentration and surface chemistry were statistically significant in the percent coverage of the surface. Cell morphology was found to be affected from the significant effects of surface chemistry, Pluronic concentration and DEP. Cell size decreased due to the above effects. Silanization of the surface was found to overshadow the effects of Pluronic concentration and DEP. Cells grown on the MWNT template did not orient in the direction of the aligned MWNTs.