Researchers from Purdue University have made a discovery that may hold promise for tissue regeneration: carbon nanofibers are surprisingly compatible with human tissue.

Their experiments showed that increasing the amount of carbon nanofibers in a polycarbonate urethane composite implant increased the functions of nerve and bone-forming cells and decreased the function of scar-tissue formation.

Carbon nanotubes also have strong electrical properties. “These carbon nanofibers also interact with neurons, which means if used as electrodes they can establish electrical connection with the brain, said Thomas J. Webster, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Purdue University.