Studies have shown the wide array of biomedical applications for nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs). CNTs have varying mechanical, electrical, and optical properties, optimal for biomedical research. With these beneficial qualities in mind, CNTs have been used in targeted cancer therapy, biosensors, and substrates for neural growth. Zinc oxide also demonstrates biosafety and compatibility with cells, piezoelectric potentials, and antibacterial properties that may be applied to coatings. In this research, the goal is to combine the attributes of CNTs and ZnO by growing CNTs/ZnO NW heterostructures via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). PC-12 neuron-like cells will be seeded on the heterostructures to determine whether they aid in cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation or show toxicity. It is anticipated that CNT/ZnO NW heterostructures exhibit both CNT and ZnO characteristics to applications such as regenerative engineering and drug delivery, just to name a few.

Emily would like to thank Dr. Silviya Zustiak and Dr. Irma Kuljanishvili for guiding her throughout this accelerated program process and being mentors whenever she would have questions about her project and life. She would also like to thank Dr. Gary Bledsoe for his support in this project.