Progress in Carbon Nanotube-Assisted Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Its Application in Bone Tissue Engineering

As a cutting-edge and multifunctional nanomaterial, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with their unique hollow tubular structure and exceptional physicochemical properties, have a potential to induce osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), gradually emerging as a key driver in bone tissue engineering development. Studies have shown that functionalized CNTs can enhance the biocompatibility of MSCs, regulate multiple signaling pathways like nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and significantly improve the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and the formation of mineralized nodules. Moreover, the nanoscale structural properties of CNTs endow them with remarkable potential in biological scaffold materials, enhancing scaffold mechanical properties and cell adhesion, thus advancing bone tissue regeneration. As coating materials, CNTs create an ideal cell growth environment by boosting material surface bioactivity; and as cell carriers, they exhibit excellent directional transport capabilities, offering directions for regenerative medicine. In a word, CNT applications in bone tissue engineering bring hope for bone regeneration and open up paths for nanotechnology in biomedicine, yet their potential side effects and long-term safety still require further investigation.