Engineered Carbon Nanotube Scaffolds for Next-Generation Tissue Engineering: Synergizing Mechanical, Electrical, and Bioactive Properties – a Review

Yunfei Li,1,2 Yigui Zhou,1,2 Yun Xue,1 Ruilong Sun,1,2 Yongzheng Tian,1,2 Longwen Zhan,1,2 Ruitang Liu,1,2 Bo Fan,1 Qiuming Gao1 1Orthopedic Centre, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730050, People’s Republic of China; 2Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730050, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Bo Fan, The 940th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force of the People’s Liberation Army, Spinal Surgery, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China, Email [email protected] Qiuming Gao, Orthopedics Center, The 940th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force of the People’s Liberation Army of China, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China, Email [email protected]: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their composites exhibit considerable potential for application in tissue engineering, owing to their unique physical, chemical, and biological properties which render them ideal candidates for constructing biological scaffolds, facilitating tissue regeneration, and enhancing cellular functions. This review systematically examines the application of CNT-based scaffolds, with a focus on their synergistic mechanical, electrical, and bioactive properties. We discuss the fundamental characteristics of CNTs, including their mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, chemical modifiability, antimicrobial activity, and the central challenge of cytotoxicity. Strategies to mitigate cytotoxicity through functionalization and composite formation are elaborated. The review probes the enhanced biocompatibility, electrical properties, and mechanical performance of CNT composites, alongside their applications in bone, neural, and cardiac tissue engineering. A specific focus is placed on CNT scaffolds functionalized with growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF), highlighting their role in promoting angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Finally, we summarize the current state of the field, address existing limitations—particularly regarding cytotoxicity and long-term safety—and suggest promising directions for future research, including the integration of photothermal therapy and the need for more comprehensive in vivo studies. This review aims to provide a balanced and critical perspective on the journey of CNT-based scaffolds from laboratory innovation to clinical reality.Keywords: carbon nanotube CNTs, carbon nanotube composites, growth factors, tissue engineering, scaffold