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 . 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. 
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the nanomaterial comprises carbon nanofibers having a width of 10 to 100 nm. 
     
     
         25 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the biological molecule is laminin. 
     
     
         26 . A neural implant comprising a composite nanomaterial, said nanomaterial comprising carbon nanofiber material with nanofibers about 2 to 200 nm in width and a polymer matrix, wherein said nanomaterial is a polyurethane-carbon nanofiber composite, said carbon nanofibers comprise carbon nanotubes, and said carbon nanotubes are functionalized with 4-hydroxynonenal. 
     
     
         27 . The neural implant according to  claim 26 , wherein the carbon nanotubes are aligned. 
     
     
         28 . The neural implant according to  claim 26 , wherein the neural implant is a neural probe. 
     
     
         29 . A neural implant comprising a nanocomposite component, said nanocomposite comprising a polymer material and a nanomaterial, wherein said nanomaterial has a dimension ranging from 5 nm to less than 500 nm, wherein the nanomaterial component is comprised of a polyurethane ((PU)-carbon nanofiber (CN) composite and the carbon nanofibers have a size in the range of about 10 to about 100 nm in width and length. 
     
     
         30 . The neural implant according to  claim 29 , wherein the carbon nanofibers comprise carbon nanotubes. 
     
     
         31 . The neural implant according to  claim 30 , wherein the carbon nanotubes are aligned. 
     
     
         32 . The neural implant according to  claim 30 , wherein the carbon nanotubes are functionalized. 
     
     
         33 . The neural implant according to  claim 32 , wherein the carbon nanotubes are functionalized with 4-hydroxynonenal. 
     
     
         34 . A neural implant comprising a nanocomposite component, said nanocomposite comprising a polymer material and a nanomaterial, wherein said nanomaterial has a dimension ranging from 5 nm to less than 500 nm, the nanomaterial component is comprised of a polyurethane (PU)-carbon nanofiber (CN) composite, and the polyurethane (PU)-carbon nanofiber (CN) composite has a size in the range of about 50 to 100 nm and the composite comprises about 80:20 to about 90:10 by weight percent carbon nanofiber to polyurethane. 
     
     
         35 . The neural implant according to  claim 34 , wherein the carbon nanofiber comprises carbon nanotubes. 
     
     
         36 . The neural implant according to  claim 35 , wherein the carbon nanotubes are aligned. 
     
     
         37 . The neural implant according to  claim 35 , wherein the carbon nanotubes are functionalized. 
     
     
         38 . The neural implant according to  claim 37 , wherein the carbon nanotubes are functionalized with 4-hydroxynonenal.