Carbon nanotubes induce bone calcification by bidirectional interaction with osteoblasts.

Shimizu, Masayuki; Kobayashi, Yasuhiro; Mizoguchi, Toshihide; Nakamura, Hiroaki; Kawahara, Ichiro; Narita, Nobuyo; Usui, Yuki; Aoki, Kaoru et al. · Adv Mater · 2012

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) promote calcification during hydroxyapatite (HA) formation by osteoblasts. Primary cultured osteoblasts are incubated with MWCNTs or carbon black. After culture for 3 weeks, the degree of calcification is very high in the 50 μg mL(-1) MWCNT group. Transmission electron microscopy shows needle-like crystals around the MWCNTs, and diffraction patterns reveal that the peak of the crystals almost coincides with the known peak of HA.

Medical subject headings