Interactions of Poloxamer Hydrogel Composites Containing Carbon Nanobrushes With Clinically Relevant Cell Lines

The objective of this work is to study the interactions of an electrically conductive hydrogel composite with different clinically relevant cell lines. The composite is comprised of carbon nanobrushes embedded in a biocompatible poloxamer gel. This work assesses the ability of such composite gels to support the growth of fibroblasts and myoctes and eventually serve as a matrix to stimulate wound closure. In such a model, fibroblasts and myocytes are seeded separately on the composite hydrogel and bathed in culture medium. The experimental model assesses the ability of fibroblasts and myocytes to grow into and adhere to the gel containing carbon nanobrushes. The work demonstrates that carbon nanobrushes can be dispersed within poloxamer gels, and that fibroblasts and myoctyes can proliferate within a poloxamer gel containing homogenously dispersed carbon nanobrushes. Future work will additionally examine the effects of design parameters such as carbon nanobrush content and matrix structure on wound healing, as well as the growth of tendons and other cell lines within the hydrogel composites. This work has relevance for tissue engineering and tissue regeneration in clinical medicine.