Biointegrated Interfaces with Carbon Nanostructures

Nanostructured interfaces can be shaped for the molecular control of physical/chemical adsorption, with enhanced surface area to promote interfacial chemistry, nano-catalysis, and bio-inspired interfaces. For instance, connecting nanostructured materials to biological compartments is a crucial step in prosthetic applications, where the interfacing surfaces should provide minimal undesired perturbation to the target tissue. Ultimately, the (nano)material of choice has to be biocompatible and promote cellular growth and adhesion with minimal cytotoxicity or dis-regulation of, for example, cellular activity and proliferation. In this context, carbon nanomaterials, including nanotubes and graphene, are particularly well suited for the design and construction of functional interfaces. This is mainly due to the extraordinary properties of these novel materials, which combine mechanical strength, thermal and electrical conductivity. Our group has been involved in the organic functionalization of various types of nanocarbons, including carbon nanotubes, and graphene. The organic functionalization offers the great advantage of producing soluble and easy-to-handle materials. As a consequence, since biocompatibility is expected to improve upon functionalization, many modified carbon nanomaterials may be useful in the field of nanomedicine. In particular, we have recently shown that carbon nanotubes and graphene can act as active substrates for neuronal growth, a field that has given so far very exciting results. Nanotubes and graphene are compatible with neurons, but, especially, they play a very interesting role in interneuronal communication. Improved synaptic communication is just one example. During this talk, we will discuss the latest and most exciting results obtained in our laboratories in these fast developing fields.