Osteoblast Stimulating Orthopedic Implant

Abstract

Nanomaterials for neural and orthopedic prostheses are disclosed. Composite carbon nanofibers enhance neuronal growth and minimize glial scar tissue formation. Methods and compositions to promote neuronal growth and minimize scar tissue formation during prolonged monitoring and treatment of neural tissue are disclosed. Composite polyurethane carbon nanofiber is a suitable material for neural implant. Composite carbon nanomaterials decrease adhesion of astrocytes and fibroblasts

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . An orthopedic prostheses comprising an implantable device coated with a composite nanomaterial, said nanomaterial comprising a polymer matrix and carbon nanotubes having a width of about 2 to 200 nm, said device capable of stimulating osteoblast proliferation and minimizing fibroblast encapsulation. 
     
     
         24 . The orthopedic prosthesis of  claim 23  wherein the carbon nanotubes have a width of about 10 to 100 nm and are functionalized with 4-hydroxynonenal. 
     
     
         25 . The orthopedic prostheses of  claim 24  wherein substantially all of the carbon nanotubes are aligned with one another. 
     
     
         26 . The orthopedic prostheses of  claim 23  wherein said polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polymethacrylate, polyester, polyvinyl and any copolymers thereof. 
     
     
         27 . The orthopedic prostheses of  claim 23  wherein the nanofibers are multi-walled nanotubes. 
     
     
         28 . A method of stimulating osteoblast proliferation and minimizing fibroblast encapsulation by an orthopedic implant in a patient, said method comprising:
 (a) obtaining an orthopedic implant comprising a composite nanomaterial, said nanomaterial comprising a polymer matrix and carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbon nanotubes have a width of about 10 to 100 nm; and   (b) securing the implantable device in said patient where proliferation of osteoblasts is desired.   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28  wherein said carbon nanotubes are functionalized with 4-hydroxynonenal. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29  wherein substantially all of the carbon nanotubes are aligned with one another. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30  wherein said polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polymethacrylate, polyester, polyvinyl and any copolymers thereof. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31  wherein the nanotubes are multi-walled nanotubes. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 28  wherein the composite nanomaterial comprises a polyurethane-carbon nanofiber composite, wherein said carbon nanofibers have a width of about 10 to 100 nm and are comprised of carbon nanotubes. 
     
     
         34 . A method of selecting a nanomaterial suitable for implant, the method comprising: (a) determining structural dimensions of a biological molecule in a biological tissue; and (b) fabricating the nanomaterial whose surface structural dimension is similar to the biological molecule. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the nanomaterial comprises carbon nanofibers having a width of about 10 to 100 nm. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the biological molecule is laminin.