Collagen gel formation in the presence of a carbon nanobrush

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2015 Jan;26(1):5356. doi: 10.1007/s10856-014-5356-4. Epub 2015 Jan 13.

Abstract

Type I, bovine skin collagen was allowed to gel in the presence of various concentrations of a carbon nanotube material covered with a polystyrene/polyaniline copolymer, called a carbon nanobrush (CNB). The rate of collagen gelation was enhanced by the presence of the CNB in a dose dependent manner. The extent of collagen gelation was due to the concentration of collagen and not the amount of CNB. Collagen D-periodicity, and average fibril diameter were unchanged by the CNB material as seen in transmission electron micrographs. Gel tensile strength was reduced by the presence of the CNB in a dose related manner. The collagen-CNB mixture may have a role in the repair and reconstruction of wounds or degenerated connective tissue.

MeSH terms

  • Aniline Compounds / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Cattle
  • Collagen / chemistry*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Gels / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry
  • Skin / pathology
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Tensile Strength
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Aniline Compounds
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Gels
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Polymers
  • Polystyrenes
  • polyaniline
  • Collagen