Electrically conducting nanocomposite materials for biomedical applications
AssigneeRensselaer Polytechnic Institute
InventorsPeter Supronowicz, Rena Bizios, Pulickel Ajayan, Richard Siegel
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Abstract
Exposing osteoblasts on an electrically conducting nanocomposite, which may be an orthopaedic/dental implant, to electrical stimulation enhances osteoblast proliferation thereon. The electrically conducting nanoscale material includes an electrically conducting nanoscale material and a biocompatible polymer and/or a biocompatible ceramic; carbon nanotubes may be used as the electrically conducting nanoscale material.
Claims22
An electrically conducting nanocomposite comprising an electrically conducting nanoscale material and at least one of a biocompatible polymer or a biocompatible ceramic.
A method for enhancing osteoblast proliferation on a surface of 2-dimensional substrate or inside a 3-dimension scaffold of an electrically conducting orthopaedic/dental implant, said method comprising:
- contacting the implant with osteoblasts;
- and
- passing an electric current through the implant;
- whereby the osteoblasts are exposed to electrical stimulation.
An electrically conducting nanocomposite comprising a nanoscale material and at least one of a biocompatible polymer or a biocompatible ceramic, wherein at least one of said nanoscale material, said polymer and said ceramic is electrically conducting.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.