ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the use of carbon nanotubes (CNT) as substrates for neuronal growth, favouring adhesion of neurons and their survival, growth and differentiation in neuntes. It discusses the use of CNTs to electrically stimulate neuronal cells as well as the influence of CNTs in promoting spontaneous synaptic activity in neuronal networks and in increasing the efficacy of neural transmission and investigates the mechanisms of the electrical interactions between CNTs and neurons. CNTs have been found to be promising substrates for neuroscience applications. Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) bundles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes possess diameters that can mimic neuronal processes. The influence of the electrical conductivity of CNT films on the neuronal growth characteristics was recently studied by R. C. Haddon and coworkers. Free-standing SWNT membranes were then prepared in order to be used as scaffold for neuronal growth and differentiation. CNTs have been demonstrated as a biocompatible substrate that promotes neuronal growth, boosts neural activity and transmits electrical stimulation effectively.
