Objectives. To prepare the conductive MWCNT (multiwall carbon nanotube)-agarose scaffolds with multi-microchannel for\nneuron growth under electrical stimulation. Methods. The scaffolds were produced by gradient freeze and lyophilization\nmethods. The synthesized materials were characterized by SEM and near-infrared spectroscopy, and their microstructure,\nswelling-deswelling, conductivity, biocompatibility, and shape memory behavior were measured. A three-dimensional culture\nmodel by implanting cells into scaffolds was built, and the behaviors of RSC96 cells on scaffolds under electrical stimulation\nwere evaluated. Results. The addition of MWCNT did not affect the pore composition ratio and shape memory of agarose\nscaffolds, but 0.025% wt MWCNT in scaffolds improved the swelling ratio and water retention at the swelling equilibrium state.\nThough MWCNTs in high concentration had slight effect on proliferation of RSC96 cells and PC12 cells, there was no\ndifference that the expressions of neurofilament of RSC96 cells on scaffolds with MWCNTs of different concentration. RSC96\ncells arranged better along the longitudinal axis of scaffolds and showed better adhesion on both 0.025% MWCNT-agarose\nscaffolds and 0.05% MWCNT-agarose scaffolds compared to other scaffolds. Conclusions. Agarose scaffolds with MWCNTs\npossessed promising applicable prospect in peripheral nerve defects.
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