Evaluation of 3D Hybrid Alginate/Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Tissue Scaffolds in Terms of Process and Cytocompatibility

Three-dimensional hybrid hydrogel tissue scaffolds of calcium alginate/single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) composite were fabricated by solid freeform fabrication process in a multi-nozzle biopolymer deposition system. The scaffolds morphological, structural, mechanical and cytocompatibility properties were characterized. Except for a few areas, SWCNTs were evenly dispersed in the fabricated alginate scaffolds, and SWNTs were well aligned on the hydrogel surfaces from the SEM pictures. Raman spectroscopy showed that the structure of the Alginate/SWNT samples had been altered by the nanotube reinforcement. Microtensile test proved the reinforcement effect of SWNT to the mechanical strength of Alginate. Cell culture experiment for Rat Heart Endothelial Cell (RHEC) showed the cytocompatibility and biological enhancement of SWNTs to the Alginate substrate. In this manner, this type of biomaterial and scaffold possesses a good potential for future use in tissue engineering applications.