[Research progress of neural tissue engineering based on electrically conductive carbon nanotube scaffold].

OBJECTIVE

To review the basic researches and the clinical application of the nano-neural tissue engineering materials, especially the electrically conductive carbon nanotubes (CNT).

METHODS

The literature concerning the basic and clinical researches of the conductive materials of nano-neural tissue engineering, especially the electrically conductive CNT were reviewed.

RESULTS

The researches of conductive materials of nano-neural tissue engineering have made some progress, the electrically conductive CNT can not only promote Schwan cells' adhension, migration, and proliferation, but also mimic the function of electric conductivity of neural myelin and enhance neurite growth and regeneration. So the electrically conductive CNT make great sense in stimulating and directing the growth of neurite and the regeneration of axons.

CONCLUSION

Because of these unique properties, the electrically conductive CNT have great advantages in peripheral nerve repair and function reconstruction, and are promising to provide a novel method for clinical peripheral nerve repair and function reconstruction after injury.