Improved neural differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells interfaced with carbon nanotube scaffolds

Aim: The authors aimed to investigate the effect of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based extracellular environments on the neural differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) when combined with chemical inducers. Materials & methods: CNT-based nanoscaffolds (linear CNT network patterns and CNT bulk network films) were prepared on solid substrates for hMSC culturing. After the hMSCs were differentiated in neural differentiation media for 2 weeks, the authors examined the neural differentiation of the hMSCs using immunocytochemistry and real-time PCR. Results: The authors found that the linear CNT network patterns could effectively control the cell elongation and nuclear shape of hMSCs during the neural differentiation process, further enhancing neural gene expression compared with the bulk CNT-based films. Moreover, the CNT network films could significantly upregulate the gene expression of voltage-gated ion channels, which should be a key component for the neural activity of differentiated hMSCs. Conclusion: These findings suggest that CNT-based nanoscaffolds can be used as an excellent extracellular nano-/micro-environment for applications requiring effective neural differentiation of stem cells, such as regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.