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Carbon Nanotubes/Regenerated Silk Composite as a Three-Dimensional Printable Bio-Adhesive Ink with Self-Powering Properties
- Source :
- ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces; May 2021, Vol. 13 Issue: 18 p21007-21017, 11p
- Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- In this study, regenerated silk (RS) obtained from Bombyx Moricocoons is compounded with carboxyl-functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs) in an aqueous environment for the fabrication of functional bio-adhesives. Molecular interactions between RS and carboxyl groups of CNTs result in structural increase of the β-sheet formation, obtaining a resistant adhesive suitable for a wet biological substrate. Moreover, the functionalization of CNTs promotes their dispersion in RS, thus enabling the production of films with controlled electrical conductivity. The practical utility of such a property is demonstrated through the fabrication of a piezoelectric device implanted in a rat to monitor the breathing in vivo and to be used as a self-powered system. Finally, RS/f-CNTs were used as a printable biomaterial ink to three dimensionally print bilayer hollow tubular structures composed of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and RS. Initial tests carried out by seeding and growing human skin fibroblasts demonstrated that the 3D printed bilayer hollow cylindrical structures offer a suitable surface for the seeded cells to attach and proliferate. In general, the herein proposed RS/f-CNT composite serves as a versatile material for solvent-free dispersion processing and 3D printing, thus paving a new approach to prepare multifunctional materials with potential applications of great interest in sealing biological substrates and implantable devices for regenerative medicine.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 19448244
- Volume :
- 13
- Issue :
- 18
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
- Publication Type :
- Periodical
- Accession number :
- ejs56089264
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.1c03288