Abstract
•Organ regeneration is possible thanks to appropriate use of stem cells.•CNT performance in heart and nerve tissue regeneration is unmatched.•Conductive cells cultured on/in CNT-scaffolds are “electrified”, i.e., more active.•3D-printing of tissues is revolutionizing therapy.•The combined use of stem cells and CNTs is promising for organ printing.
Tissue regeneration research is advancing rapidly, thanks to the innovation potential of stem cells and nanomaterials. In particular, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have shown an unmatched performance in conductive tissue regeneration. When grown in contact with CNTs, conducting cells become “electrified”, i.e., electrically more active, mature, and better interconnected. The challenges inherent in translating these concepts into 3D printing of whole organs for biomedical use are being addressed worldwide.