Carbon nanotubes in scaffolds for tissue engineering

Carbon nanotubes are hollow graphitic cylinders of nanoscale dimensions. They are electrically conductive, chemically and thermally stable, and exceptionally strong. Given this unique combination of properties there has been much interest in carbon nanotubes, and finding applications for them. One application where this combination of properties may prove useful is in the area of tissue regeneration, incorporating carbon nanotubes into scaffolds for tissue engineering. It is believed that carbon nanotubes may improve scaffold properties and enhance tissue regeneration. This report aims to discuss the suitability of carbon nanotubes as a biomaterial for scaffold production, and the fabrication, properties and performance of carbon nanotube-based scaffolds.