Interaction Between Human Osteoblast Cells and Inorganic Two-Dimensional Scaffolds Based on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: A Quantitative AFM Study

In this study, a novel type of matrix with regular nanotopography composed of crosslinked carbon nanotubes is used as a cell-growing scaffold. The cytocompatibility of this matrix and cell–surface interaction is assessed using human osteoblast cells (HOBs). The growth behavior of HOB cells, including morphology, metabolic activity and adhesion are explored by means of scanning electron microscopy and cell viability assay. Additionally, atomic force microscopy is used to evaluate the biocompatibility of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based scaffolds by investigating the adhesion behavior of attached cells. The elastic properties of living osteoblast on the matrices with a unique cavity-like topography are compared with cells adhered to the glass and randomly-distributed CNTs. The elevated Young's modulus of matrices with regular topography suggests the presence of tight junctions and a high-quality adhesion mechanism, which in turn indicates good biocompatibility of the matrices.