The stimulation of myoblast differentiation by electrically conductive sub-micron fibers

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“…Once myoblasts attach to the spheres, they could be stretched periodically provided such variation in the pH or temperature would not negatively affect cell proliferation, adhesion, and growth. Jun et al (2009) have found that growing myoblasts on electrically conductive fibers induces their differentiation, forming more myotubes of greater length without the addition of electrical stimulation but use of such inedible scaffolding systems necessitates simple and nondestructive techniques for removal of the culture from the scaffold.…”

“…Electrical stimulation, feasible on a large scale, induces contraction internally as opposed to passively and aids in differentiation and sarcomere formation. Even growth on electrically conductive fibers without application of electrical stimulation sufficed in reaping the benefits of induced contraction (Jun et al 2009). …”

Nanocomposite and Nanostructured Carbon-based Films as Growth Substrates for Bone Cells

“…For example, Schwann cells cultured on electrically conductive melanin films accelerated their proliferation, and rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells enhanced extension of their neurites (Bettinger et al, 2009). Similarly, composite nanofibers made of electrically conductive polyaniline blended with poly(L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) enhanced the adhesion and proliferation of C2C12 murine skeletal muscle myoblasts, as well as their differentiation towards myotubes (Jeong et al, 2008;Jun et al, 2009). The mechanisms of the positive effects of electroactive materials on cell colonization and function (which can be further enhanced by additional electrical stimulation of cells through the materials) have not yet been fully elucidated and systemized.…”

Skeletal myotube formation enhanced by electrospun polyurethane carbon nanotube scaffolds

“…9,10 Electrically conducting materials have also been used to deliver electrical signals to cells and to alter key cell behaviors. Electrically conductive materials, such as polypyrrole, 11,12 polyaniline, 13 and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), 14 have been shown to affect cell behavior when electrically stimulated. In addition, nanocomposites of polylactic acid and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) have been reported to promote osteoblast differentiation in vitro, achieving a 46% increase in calcium deposition in the extracellular matrix and a 300% greater expression of various genes (such as osteopontin, osteonectin mRNA, and osteocalcin) when an alternating current (10 µA at 10 Hz of electrical stimulation for six hours daily for 21 consecutive days) was applied to the polylactic acid-MWNT composites.…”