Molecular functionalization of carbon nanotubes and use as substrates for neuronal growth

Carbon nanotubes are strong, flexible, conduct electrical current, and can be functionalized with different molecules, properties that may be useful i n basic and applied neuroscience research. We report the first application of carbon nanotube technology to neuroscience research. Methods were develo ped for growing embryonic rat-brain neurons on multiwalled carbon nanotubes . On unmodified nanotubes, neurons extend only one or two neurites, which e xhibit very few branches. In contrast, neurons grown on nanotubes coated wi th the bioactive molecule 4-hydroxynonenal elaborate multiple neurites, whi ch exhibit extensive branching. These findings establish the feasability of using nanotubes as substrates for nerve cell growth and as probes of neuro nal function at the nanometer scale.