The enhancement of neural growth by amino-functionalization on carbon nanotubes as a neural electrode

This paper reports the success of amino-functionalization on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to promote neuronal cells growth on MWCNT electrode for extracellular recording, attributed to the formation of positive charge of NH(2) molecules on their surfaces. Besides, the surface of MWCNT electrode becomes hydrophilic after amino-functionalization (AF-MWCNTs) which can enhance electrical conductivity because of lower MWCNT/electrolyte interfacial impedance and higher interfacial capacitance. Durability tests show that electrical characteristics of the MWCNTs treated by 2 wt% 1,4-diaminobutane solution (2 wt%-AF-MWCNTs) can last for at least six months in air ambient. The neural recording of crayfish shows that 2 wt%-AF-MWCNTs can provide better capability on detecting action potentials of caudal photoreceptor (CPR) interneuron compared to suction glass pipette from the evidence of a higher S/N ratio (126 versus 23). The amino-functionalized MWCNT electrode is feasible for long-term recording application according to the results of biocompatibility tests. As the MWCNTs were directly synthesized on Si-based substrates by catalyst-assisted thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at a low temperature (400 °C), these self-aligned MWCNT electrodes could be friendly implemented in integrated circuits fabrications.     

Significantly Enhanced Actuation Performance of IPMC by Surfactant-Assisted Processable MWCNT/Nafion Composite

The performance of Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) actuator was significantly enhanced by incorporating surfactant-assisted processable Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) into a Nafion solution. Cationic surfactant Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) was employed to disperse MWCNTs in the Nafion matrix, forming a homogeneous and stable dispersion of nanotubes. The processing did not involve any strong acid treatment and thus effectively preserved the excellent electronic properties associated with MWCNT. The as-obtained MWCNT/Nafion-IPMC actuator was tested in terms of conductivity, bulk and surface morphology, blocking force and electric current. It was shown that the blocking force and the current of the new IPMC are 2.4 times and 1.67 times higher compared with a pure Nafion-based IPMC. Moreover, the MWCNT/IPMC performance is much better than previously reported Nafion-IPMC doped by acid-treated MWCNT. Such significantly improved performance should be attributed to the improvement of electrical property associated with the addition of MWCNTs without acid treatment.     

Anionic complexes of MWCNT with supergiant cyanobacterial polyanions

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were well dispersed in an aqueous solution of the cyanobacterial polysaccharide, sacran, with an ultra‐high molecular weight >10 million g/mol. MWCNTs powder was put into aqueous solutions of various polysaccharides including sacran and was dispersed under sonication. As a result of the turbidity measurement of the supernatant, it was found that sacran showed the highest MWCNT‐dispersion efficiency of all the polysaccharides used here. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopic (Cryo‐TEM) studies directly demonstrated the existence of MWCNTs in the supernatant, and high‐resolution TEM observation revealed that MWCNTs covered by sacran chains made their efficient dispersion in water. Raman spectroscopy demonstrated the existence of MWCNT in dried sample from supernatant and the interaction between MWCNT and sacran. The ζ‐potential measurement of the dispersion indicated the negative surface charges of the sacran/MWCNT complexes. Then the MWCNT complexes were able to fabricate by ionic interaction; electrophoresis of the anionic complex formed the sacran/MWCNT gels on the anode while the droplet of sacran/MWCNT dispersion formed gel beads in the presence of the lanthanoid cations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Effects on Plant Seedlings Growth and Cadmium/Lead Uptake In Vitro

The effects of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on plant growth and Cd/Pb accumulation was investigated on seedlings of three plant species including Brassica napus L., Helianthus annus L. and Cannabis sativa L. The experiment consisted of MWCNTs on three concentration levels (0, 10, 50 mg/L) and 200 μM CdCl₂ or 500 μM Pb(NO₃)₂. MWCNTs application effectively improved root and shoot growth inhibited by Cd and Pb salts. In B. napus, total chlorophyll (Chl) content increased by both MWCNTs 10 and 50 mg/L exposure under cadmium or lead stress. MWCNT 10 mg/L mitigated the deleterious effects of Cd ions on total chlorophyll content of H. annus and C. sativa. Wherease higher concentration of MWCNTs decreased Chl content under either Cd or Pb treatments on sunflower seedlings. MWCNT10 effectivly raised cadmium accumulation in seedlings of all three species. MWCNT10 and 50 mg/L also caused higher Pb accumulation in canola and cannabis seedlings, respectively. Based on the results, it seems that the effects of MWCNTs on growth parameters and heavy metal accumulation in plant seedlings is strongly depends on heavy metal type, MWCNTs concentration and plant species.     

Dual functional nisin-multi-walled carbon nanotubes coated filters for bacterial capture and inactivation

Background

Removal of pathogens from water is one way to prevent waterborne illness. In this paper, we developed dual functional carbon nanotube (CNT) modified filters for bacterial capture and inactivation, utilizing multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) to coat on commercially available filters and making use of the exceptional adsorption property of CNTs to adsorb a natural antimicrobial peptide-nisin on it. Two types of MWCNTs with different outer layer diameters were used (MWCNTs1: <8 nm in diameter; MWCNTs2: 10–20 nm in diameter).

Results

The thickness of MWCNT layers, surface morphology, and surface hydrophobicity of both types of MWCNT coated filters were characterized. The MWCNT coating on filters significantly increased the surface hydrophobicity. The absorption of nisin and the capture of bacterial pathogens were correlated with increased surface hydrophobicity. The MWCNTs1 and MWCNTs2 filters with 1.5 mg MWCNTs loading captured 2.44 and 3.88 log of cells, respectively, from aqueous solutions containing a total of ~10⁶ CFU/mL cells. Nisin deposit at the amount of 0.5 mg on the surfaces of MWCNT filters significantly reduced the viability of captured B. anthracis cells by 95.71–97.19 %, and inhibited the metabolic activities of the captured cells by approximately 98.3 %.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that the MWCNT-nisin filters achieved dual functions in bacterial pathogen capture and inhibition in one single filtration step, which is potentially applicable in removing undesired microorganisms from water sources and inhibiting captured Gram positive bacteria activities.

     

The impact of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on macrophages: contribution of MWCNT characteristics

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs) have wide application prospects but also exhibit notable biotoxicity that is tightly associated with macrophages. Macrophages simultaneously act as initiators and defenders in MWCNT-induced organ lesions,and targeting macrophages with MWCNTs may be a potential immunotherapy and oncotherapy approach. This review focuses on the impacts of MWCNTs on macrophages and further discusses the influence of MWCNT characteristics on their bioactivity.Based on existing studies, MWCNTs stimulate macrophage migration, induce secretion of various cytokines and activate inflammatory pathways in macrophages, especially NLRP3-mediated IL-1β production. This inflammatory state, together with the oxidative stress and cell membrane lesions induced by MWCNTs, contributes to decreased phagocytic ability and cell viability, which finally results in cell apoptosis and necrosis. A series of intracellular and systemic components, such as toll-like receptor, high-mobility group box 1, Rho-associated kinases, scavenger receptor and complement components, may be involved in the above-mentioned cell-MWCNT interactions. The characteristics of MWCNTs can influence their bioactivity in macrophages both mechanically and chemically. The size(length and/or diameter), functionalization, purification and even the experimental method can affect the influence of MWCNTs on macrophages, and a better understanding of these MWCNT characteristics may benefit utilization of this nanomaterial in associated nanomedical applications.     

Evaluation of cell viability, DNA damage, and cell death in normal human dermal fibroblast cells induced by functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are an example of a carbon-based nanomaterial that has won enormous popularity in nanotechnology. Due to their unusual one-dimensional hollow nanostructure and unique physicochemical properties, they are highly desirable for use within the commercial, environmental, and medical sectors. Despite their wide application, there is a lack of information concerning their impact on human health and the environment. While nanotechnology looms large with commercial promise and potential benefit, an equally large issue is the evaluation of potential effects on humans and other biological systems. Our research is focused on cellular response to purified functionalized MWCNT in normal human dermal fibroblast cells. Three exposure concentrations (40, 200, and 400 μg/ml) of functionalized MWCNT and control (Tween-80 + 0.9% saline) were used in this study. Following exposure to MWCNT, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and apoptosis assays were performed using standard protocols. Our results demonstrated a dose-dependent toxicity with functionalized MWCNT. It was found to be toxic and induced massive loss of cell viability through DNA damage and programmed cell death of all doses compared to control. Our results demonstrate that carbon nanotubes indeed can be very toxic at sufficiently high concentrations from environmental and occupational exposure and that careful monitoring of toxicity studies is essential for risk assessment.     

Application of a novel plasma-induced CD/MWCNT/iron oxide composite in zinc decontamination

Herein, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was grafted onto magnetic MWCNT/iron oxide particles by using low temperature plasma-induced technique to synthesize a novel nanocomposite. The prepared composite (denoted as CD/MWCNT/iron oxide) exhibited high magnetic property (saturation magnetization M(s)=37.8emu/g) and good dispersion property in aqueous solution. Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the application potential of CD/MWCNT/iron oxide in the decontamination of Zn(II) from aqueous solutions. The sorption amount of Zn(II) on CD/MWCNT/iron oxide was higher than that of Zn(II) on MWCNT/iron oxides and oxidized MWCNTs, indicating that the grafted β-CD could enhance the sorption capacity of CD/MWCNT/iron oxide composite toward Zn(II) by providing multiple hydroxyl functional groups. Due to its high magnetic, CD/MWCNT/iron oxide could be easily separated from aqueous solution with an external magnetic field. Regeneration studies suggested that CD/MWCNT/iron oxide can support long term use as a cost-effective material in sewage treatment with minimum replacement costs.     

In vitro comparative cytotoxic assessment of pristine and carboxylic functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes on LN18 cells

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been used in biomedical applications due to their ability to enter the cells. Carboxylic functionalization of MWCNT (MWCNT-COOH) is used to mitigate the toxicity of MWCNTs. Our study focuses on comparing the toxicity of MWCNT and MWCNT-COOH on the neuronal cells, LN18. Concentrations of 5, 10, 20, and 40 µg ml⁻¹ were used for the study, and cytotoxicity was determined at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of incubation. Cell viability was assessed by Trypan Blue, MTT, and Live dead cell assays, and the oxidative stress produced was determined by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Lipid peroxidation assays. MWCNT-COOH showed higher cell viability than MWCNT for 20 and 40 µg ml⁻¹ at 24 and 48 h. This was also visually observed in the live dead cell imaging. However, at 48 h, the morphology of the cells appeared more stretched for all the concentrations of MWCNT and MWCNT-COOH in comparison to the control. A significant amount of ROS production can also be observed at the same concentration and time. Viability and oxidative stress results together revealed that MWCNT-COOH is less toxic when compared to MWCNT at longer incubation periods and higher concentrations. However, otherwise, the effect of both are comparable. A concentration of 5–10 µg ml⁻¹ is ideal while using MWCNT and MWCNT-COOH as the toxicity is negligible. These findings can further be extended to various functionalizations of MWCNT for wider applications.     

Tuning multi/pluri-potent stem cell fate by electrospun poly(L-lactic acid)-calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite nanocomposite mats

In this study, we investigated whether multipotent (human-bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells [hBM-MSCs]) and pluripotent stem cells (murine-induced pluripotent stem cells [iPSCs] and murine embryonic stem cells [ESCs]) respond to nanocomposite fibrous mats of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) loaded with 1 or 8 wt % of calcium-deficient nanohydroxyapatite (d-HAp). Remarkably, the dispersion of different amounts of d-HAp to PLLA produced a set of materials (PLLA/d-HAp) with similar architectures and tunable mechanical properties. After 3 weeks of culture in the absence of soluble osteogenic factors, we observed the expression of osteogenic markers, including the deposition of bone matrix proteins, in multi/pluripotent cells only grown on PLLA/d-HAp nanocomposites, whereas the osteogenic differentiation was absent on stem-cell-neat PLLA cultures. Interestingly, this phenomenon was confined only in hBM-MSCs, murine iPSCs, and ESCs grown on direct contact with the PLLA/d-HAp mats. Altogether, these results indicate that the osteogenic differentiation effect of these electrospun PLLA/d-HAp nanocomposites was independent of the stem cell type and highlight the direct interaction of stem cell-polymeric nanocomposite and the mechanical properties acquired by the PLLA/d-HAp nanocomposites as key steps for the differentiation process.     

Synthesis of bacterial celluloses in multiwalled carbon nanotube-dispersed medium

Carbon nanotubes are considered to be the ideal multi-functional filler, although there is some debate regarding their toxicity for bio-related applications. The bacteria, Gluconacetobacter xylinum, which produce bacterial cellulose, were cultured in a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) dispersed Hestrin and Schramm (HS) medium by shaking incubation. The MWCNTs were functionalized with polyethylene glycol to prepare a stable MWCNT-dispersed HS medium and its stability was characterized by measuring the transmittance of a pulsed near infrared light. To investigate the toxicity of the MWCNTs to bacteria, we also introduced a green fluorescent protein gene into the bacteria and observed the fluorescence via confocal microscopy to confirm the presence of live bacteria in the MWCNT-dispersed HS medium. On the bases of the electron microscopy observations, a substantial number of MWCNTs were found to be well-dispersed and attached to the surface of the bacterial cellulose fibrils.     

System Optimization for the Development of Ultrasensitive Electronic Biosensors Using Carbon Nanotube Nanoelectrode Arrays

Vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been reported in fabricating nanoelectrode arrays. Further studies on optimizing this system for the development of ultrasensitive DNA sensors are reported here. The mechanical stability of the as-grown MWCNT array can be improved by polymer coating or SiO₂ encapsulation. The latter method provides excellent electronic and ionic insulation to the sidewall of MWCNTs and the underlying metal layer, which is investigated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The insulation ensures well-defined nanoelectrode behavior. A method is developed for selectively functionalizing biomolecules at the open end of MWCNTs while keeping the SiO₂ surface passivated, using the unique graphitic chemistry. An ultrahigh sensitivity approaching the limit of fluorescence techniques is obtained with this system for DNA detection.     

Probing the Interaction of Mutiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Catalase: Mutispectroscopic Approach

In this study, the mechanism of the interaction between multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and catalase was investigated by fluorescence, UV–vis, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy under physiological conditions. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of catalase by MWCNTs was shown to be a static quenching procedure and was a result of the formation of a catalase–MWCNT complex. The secondary structure and conformation of the catalase adsorbed on MWCNTs was determined by CD and UV‐vis spectroscopy, and the results indicate that the catalase in this complex is partially unfolded with its lost in α‐helical content and obtainment in β‐sheet content. Moreover, binding of MWCNTs to catalase inhibited the enzymatic activity, which may trigger some toxic effects and undesirable physiological consequences. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:493‐498, 2012;Viewthis article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com . DOI 10.1002/jbt.21454     

D-fructose detection based on the direct heterogeneous electron transfer reaction of fructose dehydrogenase adsorbed onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes synthesized on platinum electrode

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized on platinum plate electrodes by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. From the results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and voltammetric investigation, the iron nanoparticles used as a catalyst for the MWCNT synthesis were enclosed with MWCNTs. The MWCNTs synthesized on the Pt plate (MWCNTs/Pt) electrode were immediately immersed into solutions of d-fructose dehydrogenase (FDH) to immobilize the enzyme onto the MWCNTs/Pt electrode surfaces. After the FDH was immobilized onto the MWCNTs/Pt electrode, a well-defined catalytic oxidation current based on FDH was observed from ca. -0.15V (versus Ag/AgCl/sat'd KCl), which was close to the redox potential of heme c as a prosthetic group of FDH. From an analysis of a plot of the catalytic current versus substrate, the calibration range for the fructose concentration was up to ca. 40mmoldm(-3), and the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant was evaluated to be 11+/-1mmoldm(-3).     

A Comparative Study on In Vitro Osteogenic Priming Potential of Electron Spun Scaffold PLLA/HA/Col,PLLA/HA,and PLLA/Col for Tissue Engineering Application

A comparative study on the in vitro osteogenic potential of electrospun poly-L-lactide/hydroxyapatite/collagen (PLLA/HA/Col, PLLA/HA, and PLLA/Col) scaffolds was conducted. The morphology, chemical composition, and surface roughness of the fibrous scaffolds were examined. Furthermore, cell attachment, distribution, morphology, mineralization, extracellular matrix protein localization, and gene expression of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) differentiated on the fibrous scaffolds PLLA/Col/HA, PLLA/Col, and PLLA/HA were also analyzed. The electrospun scaffolds with a diameter of 200–950 nm demonstrated well-formed interconnected fibrous network structure, which supported the growth of hMSCs. When compared with PLLA/H%A and PLLA/Col scaffolds, PLLA/Col/HA scaffolds presented a higher density of viable cells and significant upregulation of genes associated with osteogenic lineage, which were achieved without the use of specific medium or growth factors. These results were supported by the elevated levels of calcium, osteocalcin, and mineralization (P<0.05) observed at different time points (0, 7, 14, and 21 days). Furthermore, electron microscopic observations and fibronectin localization revealed that PLLA/Col/HA scaffolds exhibited superior osteoinductivity, when compared with PLLA/Col or PLLA/HA scaffolds. These findings indicated that the fibrous structure and synergistic action of Col and nano-HA with high-molecular-weight PLLA played a vital role in inducing osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. The data obtained in this study demonstrated that the developed fibrous PLLA/Col/HA biocomposite scaffold may be supportive for stem cell based therapies for bone repair, when compared with the other two scaffolds.     

Low potential detection of NADH based on Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite: fabrication of integrated dehydrogenase-based lactate biosensor

Fe(3)O(4) magnetic nanoparticles were in situ loaded on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by a simple coprecipitation procedure. The resulting Fe(3)O(4)/MWCNTs nanocomposite brings new capabilities for electrochemical sensing by combining the advantages of Fe(3)O(4) magnetic nanoparticles and MWCNTs. It was found that Fe(3)O(4) has redox properties similar to those of frequently used mediators used for electron transfer between NADH and electrode. The cyclic voltammetric results indicated the ability of Fe(3)O(4)/MWCNTs modified GC electrode to catalyze the oxidation of NADH at a very low potential (0.0 mV vs. Ag/AgCl) and subsequently, a substantial decrease in the overpotential by about 650 mV compared with the bare GC electrode. The catalytic oxidation current allows the stable and selective amperometric detection of NADH at an applied potential of 0.0 mV (Ag/AgCl) with a detection limit of 0.3 μM and linear response up to 300 μM. This modified electrode can be used as an efficient transducer in the design of biosensors based on coupled dehydrogenase enzymes. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and NAD(+) were subsequently immobilized onto the Fe(3)O(4)/MWCNTs nanocomposite film by covalent bond formation between the amine groups of enzyme or NAD(+) and the carboxylic acid groups of the Fe(3)O(4)/MWCNT film. Differential pulse voltammetric detection of lactate on Fe(3)O(4)/MWCNT/LDH/NAD(+) modified GC electrode gives linear responses over the concentration range of 50-500 μM with the detection limit of 5 μM and sensitivity of 7.67 μA mM(-1). Furthermore, the applicability of the sensor for the analysis of lactate concentration in human serum samples has been successfully demonstrated.     

Synergetic Protective Effect of the Ultralight MWCNTs/NCQDs Modified Separator for Highly Stable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are highly attractive due to their high energy density, potentially low cost, and environmental compatibility. However, their commercialization has been greatly hindered by their poor cycle life and severe self‐discharge, which can be attributed to the polysulfides dissolution. To overcome these issues, much effort has been devoted to engineering the electrode structure and composition to improve the performance which is often expensive and laborious. In this study, an ultralight multiwall carbon nanotube/N‐doped carbon quantum dot (MWCNT/NCQD)‐coated separator is first designed, which is cost effective and facile. The MWCNTs/NCQDs‐coated separator is then applied in Li–S batteries. The MWCNTs/NCQDs coating provides a physical shield against polysulfide shuttling and chemical adsorption of polysulfides by MWCNTs and NCQDs. The synergetic effect of MWCNTs and NCQDs enables the production of Li–S cell with a relative high initial discharge capacity of 1330.8 mA h g^?1 and excellent cyclic performance with a corresponding capacity fade rate of as low as 0.05% per cycle at 0.5 C over 1000 cycles. Excellent rate capability and anti‐self‐discharge behavior are also displayed. The design of MWCNTs/NCQDs‐coated separator is a viable approach for successfully developing practical Li–S batteries.     

Study of hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in male Swiss-Webster mice exposed to functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the most promising material with unique characteristics, find its application in different fields ranging from composite materials to medicine and from electronics to energy storage. However, little is known about the mechanisms behind the interaction of these particles with cells and their toxicity. The aim of this study was to assess the effects, after intraperitoneal (ip) injection, of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) (carboxyl groups) on various hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress biomarkers (ROS, LHP, ALT, AST, ALP, and morphology of liver) in the mouse model. The mice were dosed ip at 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mg/kg/day for 5 days of purified/functionalized MWCNTs and two controls (negative; saline and positive; carbon black 0.75 mg/kg) as appropriate. Samples were collected 24 h after the fifth day treatment following standard protocols. Exposure to carboxylated functionalized MWCNT; the body-weight gain of the mice decreased, induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enhanced the activities of serum amino-transferases (ALT/AST), alkaline phosphatases (ALP), and concentration of lipid hydro peroxide compared to control. Histopathology of exposed liver showed a statistically significant effect in the morphological alterations of the tissue compared to controls. The cellular findings reported here do suggest that purified carboxylated functionalized MWCNT has the potential to induce hepatotoxicity in Swiss-Webster mice through activation of the mechanisms of oxidative stress, which warrant in vivo animal exposure studies. However, more studies of functionalization in the in vivo toxicity of MWCNTs are required and parallel comparison is preferred.     

Influence of biological matrix and artificial electrospun scaffolds on proliferation,differentiation and trophic factor synthesis of rat embryonic stem cells

Two-dimensional vs three-dimensional culture conditions, such as the presence of extracellular matrix components, could deeply influence the cell fate and properties. In this paper we investigated proliferation, differentiation, survival, apoptosis, growth and neurotrophic factor synthesis of rat embryonic stem cells (RESCs) cultured in 2D and 3D conditions generated using Cultrex® Basement Membrane Extract (BME) and in poly-(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) electrospun sub-micrometric fibres. It is demonstrated that, in the absence of other instructive stimuli, growth, differentiation and paracrine activity of RESCs are directly affected by the different microenvironment provided by the scaffold. In particular, RESCs grown on an electrospun PLLA scaffolds coated or not with BME have a higher proliferation rate, higher production of bioactive nerve growth factor (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared to standard 2D conditions, lasting for at least 2 weeks. Due to the high mechanical flexibility of PLLA electrospun scaffolds, the PLLA/stem cell culture system offers an interesting potential for implantable neural repair devices.     

Immobilization of glucose oxidase on graphene oxide for highly sensitive biosensors

Glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized onto graphene oxide (GRO) via three different preparation methods: enzyme adsorption (EA), enzyme adsorption and crosslinking (EAC), and enzyme adsorption, precipitation and crosslinking (EAPC). EAPC formulations, prepared via enzyme precipitation with 60% ammonium sulfate, showed 1,980 and 1,630 times higher activity per weight of GRO than those of EA and EAC formulations, respectively. After 59 days at room temperature, EAPC maintained 88% of initial activity, while EA and EAC retained 42 and 45% of their initial activities, respectively. These results indicate that the steps of precipitation and crosslinking in the EAPC formulation are critical to achieve high enzyme loading and stability of EAPC. EA, EAC and EAPC were used to prepare enzyme electrodes for use as glucose biosensors. Optimized EAPC electrode showed 93- and 25-fold higher sensitivity than EA and EAC, respectively. To further increase the sensitivity of EAPC electrode, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were mixed with EAPC for the preparation of enzyme electrode. Surprisingly, the EAPC electrode with additional 99.5 wt% MWCNTs showed 7,800-fold higher sensitivity than the EAPC electrode without MWCNT addition. Immobilization and stabilization of enzymes on GRO via the EAPC approach can be used for the development of highly sensitive biosensors as well as to achieve high enzyme loading and stability.