Synthetic nanowire/nanotube-based solid substrates for controlled cell growth

Abstract

The behaviour of cells can be controlled by various microenvironments such as nanostructured cell-culture substrates with controlled nanotopography and chemical properties. One of promising substrates for controlled cell growth is a solid substrate comprised of synthetic one-dimensional nanostructures such as polymer nanofibers, carbon-based nanotubes/nanofibers, and inorganic nanowires. Such nanotube/nanowire structures have a similar dimension as extracellular matrix fibers, and their nanotopography and chemical properties can be easily controlled, which expands their possible applications in controlling the growth and differentiation of cells. This paper provides a concise review on the recent applications of solid substrates based on synthetic nanowires/nanotubes for controlled cell growth and differentiation.