ab6b00620_si_001.pdf (166.61 kB)
Mechanically and Electrically Enhanced CNT–Collagen Hydrogels As Potential Scaffolds for Engineered Cardiac Constructs
journal contribution
posted on 2017-02-08, 00:00 authored by Hongsheng Yu, Hui Zhao, Chenyu Huang, Yanan DuWith
the development of biomimetic scaffolds for engineered cardiac
constructs, a considerable number of biomaterials has been evaluated.
However, in most previously reported cardiac constructs, the function
of the cardiomyocytes (CMs) is restricted because of mismatches in
the mechanics, conductivity, and submicrometer structure of the matrix.
In this work, type I collagen hydrogels were combined with carbon
nanotubes (CNTs) to assess potential improvements in hydrogel strength
and conductivity and potential effects on the hydrogel structure.
CMs seeded within the CNT–collagen hybrid hydrogels showed
improved cardiac cell functions compared to those within pure collagen
hydrogels, which suggested great promise of CNT–collagen hydrogels
as functional scaffold materials for cardiac construct engineering.