Dielectrophoresis is used to align carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels in a facile and rapid manner. Aligned GelMA-CNT hydrogels show higher electrical properties compared with pristine and randomly distributed CNTs in GelMA hydrogels. The muscle cells cultured on these materials demonstrate higher maturation compared with cells cultured on pristine and randomly distributed CNTs in GelMA hydrogels.
Keywords: carbon nanotubes; dielectrophoresis; electrical conductivity; gelatin methacrylate hydrogel; muscle cell differentiation.
Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.