Biocompatibility of Carbon nanotubes

Our Goals

This project aims to improve communication between living nerve cells and bionic devices using an electro-conductive nano-material such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

CNTs have diameters in the order of tens to hundreds of nanometres (one nanometre is a millionth of a millimetre). They possess unique and useful properties, including excellent electrical conductivity and high tensile strength. These properties make CNTs a promising material for the next generation of neural-computer interfacing electrodes. They may be able to stimulate nerve cells with a more intimate and localised electrical field that uses less power than conventional electrodes. CNT electrodes may thus give bionic ear recipients better perception of sound with smaller devices.

 

 

 

Safety

There is some concern regarding the safety of nano-materials, particularly for biological use. There has been a call for more studies on nano-biocompatibility from both the lay and scientific community. Therefore, the important first step of our work is to investigate the safety and efficacy of proposed composite nano-materials for neural (and other bionic) prostheses.

Our research

We have been studying the biocompatibility of composite materials containing CNTs to determine whether they can be used safely in a physiological setting. We are interested in describing the changes to tissue following long-term exposure to CNTs. We are also interested in examining the growth of biological material on the surface of these chronically implanted nano-materials. Characterising the extent of this tissue ‘build-up’ is important as it limits the performance of devices using electrodes to communicate with nearby nerves. We have finished the experimental phase and are currently evaluating the results of our chronic study. Our data, the first of their kind, will inform future work in the emerging field of nano-bionics from within our group as well as around the world.

Collaborators

A/Prof Richard Williams, Department of Anatomical Pathology, The University of Melbourne / St. Vincent’s Hospital

Prof Graeme Clark, La Trobe University

Dr Jun Chen, A/Prof Peter Innis and Prof Gordon Wallace, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, The University of Wollongong