Glia and gliotransmitters on carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Introduction: Functionalised carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been shown to be promising biomaterials in neural systems, such as CNT -based nerve scaffolds to drive nerve regeneration. CNTs have been shown to modulate neuronal growth and improve electrical conductivity of neurons.Methods: Cultured astrocytes on the functionalized CNTs (PEG, caroboxyl group) were assessed for distribution of GABA, glutamate uptake assay using isotope and change of conductance of CNTs by ATP. Immunostaining of GABA using anti-GABA (red), anti-GFAP (green) antibody in primary cortical astrocytes on MW-CNT and PDL coverslips.Results: The functionalization of CNTs has improved their solubility and biocompatibility and alters their cellular interaction pathways. Recently, CNTs have been shown to modulate morphofunctional characteristics of glia as well as neurons. Among the various types of glia, astrocytes express diverse receptors for corresponding neurotransmitters and release gliotransmitters, including glutamate, adenosine triphosphate, and γ-amino butyric acid. Gliotransmitters are primarily released from astrocytes and play important roles in glia–neuron crosstalk.Conclusion: This review focuses on the effects of CNTs on glial cells and discusses how functionalized CNTs can modulate morphology and gliotransmitters of glial cells. Based on exciting new findings, they look to be a promising material for use in brain disease therapy or neuroprosthetics.

Advanced Functional Materials and Cell‐Based Therapies for the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke and Postischemic Stroke Effects

“…As the previously described materials, carbon‐based nanostructures are characterized by attractive properties such as high loading efficiency, biodegradation, good biocompatibility, increased mechanical strength, and ability to penetrate the BBB due to their lipophilic character that renders them suitable for the treatment of CNS diseases. However, the two most important characteristics that differentiate these nanostructures from others described in this review are first the modulation of synaptic plasticity and the promotion of neurite outgrowth in the case of nanotubes and second the inherent radical scavenging ability and the anti‐inflammatory properties in the case of fullerenes . Although not all the carbon‐based nanostructures present the aforementioned characteristics, the studies that are presented in this review and are summarized in Table 5 were based on these.…”

Nanoparticles in traumatic spinal cord injury: therapy and diagnosis

“…CNTs are hollow cylinders made of graphene sheets rolled in on themselves to form a tube. 89,90 They have a great role in the advancement of nanotechnology due to their unique architecture with high aspect ratio, high surface area, rich surface chemistry, small size, cell membrane penetrability and size alterability. They are also non-immunogenic, nontoxic, photostable, ultra-lightweight and biocompatible.…”