Biocompatability of carbon nanotubes with stem cells to treat CNS injuries

Central nervous system (CNS) injuries are hard to treat because the CNS doesn't regenerate well and is hard to reach with drugs. Stem cell therapy is being studied to replace lost cells, but the environment in the injured area can limit stem cell survival. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are new materials that may help prevent, diagnose, and treat CNS diseases. They can be used to support stem cell growth and differentiation into specific neurons, helping with axon regeneration and synapse formation. CNTs appear to be biocompatible and a good support for neural cells, suggesting they have great potential in neurological research.

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  CNTs' structure and dimensions resemble neuronal network elements, enabling better control over physiological activity and neuronal information processing.
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  CNTs can boost neuronal electrical signaling, decrease astrocyte formation, increase NSCs differentiation to neurons, suggesting promise for treating stroke-damaged neural tissue.
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  Studies show neurons prefer growing on CNTs rather than PCU, possibly due to the surface roughness of CNTs contributing to neuronal cell anchoring.