Carbon nanotube-reinforced cell-derived matrix-silk fibroin hierarchical scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications
Rafael Lemos, F. Raquel Maia, Viviana P. Ribeiro, João B. Costa, Paulo J. G. Coutinho, Rui L. Reis, Joaquím M. Oliveira
Abstract
studies on human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) showed that scaffolds supported cell proliferation. The hASCs seeded onto these scaffolds evidenced similar metabolic activity to standard silk fibroin scaffolds but increased ALP activity. The histological staining showed cell infiltration into the scaffolds and visible collagen production. The expression of several osteogenic markers was investigated, further supporting the osteogenic potential of the developed carbon nanotube-reinforced cell-derived matrix-silk fibroin hierarchical scaffolds. The hemolytic assay demonstrated the hemocompatibility of the hierarchical scaffolds. Overall, the carbon nanotube-reinforced cell-derived matrix-silk fibroin hierarchical scaffolds presented the required architecture for bone tissue engineering applications.