Nanogold-Carried Graphene Oxide: Anti-Inflammation and Increased Differentiation Capacity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract

Graphene-based nanocomposites such as graphene oxide (GO) and nanoparticle-decorated graphene with demonstrated excellent physicochemical properties have worthwhile applications in biomedicine and bioengineering such as tissue engineering. In this study, we fabricated gold nanoparticle-decorated GO (GO-Au) nanocomposites and characterized their physicochemical properties using UV-Vis absorption spectra, FTIR spectra, contact angle analyses, and free radical scavenging potential. Moreover, we investigated the potent applications of GO-Au nanocomposites on directing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for tissue regeneration. We compared the efficacy of as-prepared GO-derived nanocomposites including GO, GO-Au, and GO-Au (×2) on the biocompatibility of MSCs, immune cell identification, anti-inflammatory effects, differentiation capacity, as well as animal immune compatibility. Our results showed that Au-deposited GO nanocomposites, especially GO-Au (×2), significantly exhibited increased cell viability of MSCs, had good anti-oxidative ability, sponged the immune response toward monocyte-macrophage transition, as well as inhibited the activity of platelets. Moreover, we also validated the superior efficacy of Au-deposited GO nanocomposites on the enhancement of cell motility and various MSCs-derived cell types of differentiation including neuron cells, adipocytes, osteocytes, and endothelial cells. Additionally, the lower induction of fibrotic formation, reduced M1 macrophage polarization, and higher induction of M2 macrophage, as well as promotion of the endothelialization, were also found in the Au-deposited GO nanocomposites implanted animal model. These results suggest that the Au-deposited GO nanocomposites have excellent immune compatibility and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro. Altogether, our findings indicate that Au-decorated GO nanocomposites, especially GO-Au (×2), can be a potent nanocarrier for tissue engineering and an effective clinical strategy for anti-inflammation.

Graphene Oxide-Modified Concentric Microgrooved Titanium Surfaces for the Dual Effects of Osteogenesis and Antiosteoclastogenesis

“…Studies have shown that GO-modified composites promoted the polarization of macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, − but the effect of GO on osteoclasts is rarely reported. In the study of Dou et al, GO was endocytosed by macrophages, and these activated macrophages subsequently enhanced the osteogenic function of BMSCs through the OSM signaling pathway. , The results of this experiment showed that the concentric microgrooves had clear inhibitory effects on the osteoclastogenic differentiation of macrophages, primarily by inhibiting the fusion of osteoclasts, while GO increased the hydrophilicity of the material, promoting macrophage migration into the microgrooves, and strengthening this inhibitory effect.…”

Engineered Pullulan-Collagen-Gold Nano Composite Improves Mesenchymal Stem Cells Neural Differentiation and Inflammatory Regulation

“…In vitro and in vivo measurements showed that FN–AgNPs significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), promoted endothelialization for MSCs, and attenuated foreign body responses, demonstrating the potential vascular repair applications of FN–AgNPs [ 73 ]. Graphene oxide decorated with Au nanoparticles (Go–Au) was suggested to be a promising nanocarrier owing to its better biocompatibility and its ability to induce various differentiated cell types for MSCs such as neuron, endothelial cells, osteocytes, and adipocytes [ 74 ]. The synthetic polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), was combined with Au nanoparticles.…”

Potential Biomedical Limitations of Graphene Nanomaterials

“…For example, the production of a large amount of anti-inflammatory factors down-regulates the body’s resistance to external pathogenic microorganisms, so further modifications and designs of GO are needed. 147 , 148 Therefore, GO modification and design of GFNs for medical use should be considered to improve their clinical applications.…”