Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Carbon-Based Hierarchical Scaffolds For Myoblast Differentiation: Synergy Between Nano-Functionalization And Alignment, Akhil Patel, Shilpaa Mukundan, Wenhu Wang, Anil K. Karumuri, Vinayak Sant, Sharmila M. Mukhopadhyay, Shilpa Sant

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

While several scaffolds have been proposed for skeletal muscle regeneration, multiscale hierarchical scaffolds with the complexity of extracellular matrix (ECM) haven’t been engineered successfully. By precise control over nano- and microscale features, comprehensive understanding of the effect of multiple factors on skeletal muscle regeneration can be derived. In this study, we engineered carbon-based scaffolds with hierarchical nano- and microscale architecture with controlled physico-chemical properties. More specifically, we built multiscale hierarchy by growing carbon nanotube (CNT) carpets on two types of scaffolds, namely, interconnected microporous carbon foams and aligned carbon fiber mats. Nanostructured CNT carpets offered fine control over nano-roughness and …