Journal article

Electrical Stimulation of Myoblast Proliferation and Differentiation on Aligned Nanostructured Conductive Polymer Platforms

AF Quigley, JM Razal, M Kita, R Jalili, A Gelmi, A Penington, R Ovalle-Robles, RH Baughman, GM Clark, GG Wallace, RMI Kapsa

Advanced Healthcare Materials | WILEY | Published : 2012

Abstract

In this study, nanostructured conductive platforms synthesized from aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes and polypyrrole are investigated as myo‐regenerative scaffolds. Myotube formation follows a linear path on the platforms coinciding with extent of nanotopography. In addition, electrical stimulation enhances myo‐nuclear number and differentiation. These studies demonstrate that conductive polymer platforms can be used to influence muscle cell behaviour through nanostructure and electrical stimulation.

Grants

Awarded by ARC APD Fellowship


Awarded by Air Force Office of Scientific Grant


Awarded by Robert A. Welch Foundation


Funding Acknowledgements

The authors thank the ACES Bionics Group for helpful discussions, the Australian Research Council (ARC) and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia for financial support and the ANFF Materials Node for their provision of research facilities. This work was also supported by ARC APD Fellowship DP098753 (J.M.R.), ARC Federation Fellowship (G.G.W.). J.M.R acknowledges the ARC Nanotechnology Network for the Overseas Travel Fellowship Award. R.H.B and R.O.-R. acknowledge support from Air Force Office of Scientific Grant FA9550-09-1-0537 and Robert A. Welch Foundation grant AT-0029.