Growing stem cells on carbon nanotubes

February 10, 2014

(Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News) – A research team at the University of Surrey and the University of California-Irvine say they developed a scaffold of carbon nanotubes upon which human embryonic stem cells can be grown into a variety of tissues. These new building blocks reportedly mimic the surface of the body’s natural support cells and act as scaffolding for stem cells to grow on. Cells that have previously relied on external living cells can now be grown safely in the laboratory, paving the way for revolutionary steps in replacing tissue after injury or disease, according to the scientists.