(72g) Toward Neuroprosthetic Devices From Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes can be an exceptional resource for biomedical applications. Conductive thin film composites were made from single wall carbon nanotubes SWNT) by using layer-by-layer assembly (LBL). The resulting materials can be used to create long-term interface with neural tissue for neuroprosthetic and neurostimulating devices. Biocompatibility of SWNT composites was assessed with cell cultures of NG108 human neuroblastoma-glioma cells and mouse stem cells. In all cases the SWNT LBL assembled films demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. Application of voltage pulses resulted in the stimulation of neural cells and generation of action potential, which demonstrates the potential of the SWNT materials for neuroprosthetic devices.