Biocompatibility of multi-walled carbon nanotubes grown on titanium and silicon surfaces

Cell adhesion and cell viability of aligned multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) films were verified using Fibroblast L929 mouse cells. The MWCNTs were produced by a microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (2.45 GHz) on silicon (Si), with a nickel catalyst, and titanium (Ti), with an iron catalyst. MTT assay and cellular adhesion were used for biocompatibility tests (ISO 10993-5). The results show very high cell viability and many layers of cells adhered on the surface formed by the nanotube tips at films grown on silicon surfaces. The MWCNT grown on Ti surfaces presented lower cell viability and a reduced number of cells on the surface formed by the nanotube tips. The different behavior is most probably related to excess iron contamination present in the case of titanium substrate, while nickel catalyst is probably enclosed by the nanotubes.