Three Dimensional Graphene Foam/Polymer Hybrid as a High Strength Biocompatible Scaffold

Abstract

3916 wileyonlinelibrary.com such as high elastic modulus (1 TPa [ 7 ] ) and yield strength (≈130 GPa [ 6 ] ) which have been utilized in polymer, metal, and ceramic matrix composites in order to enhance their mechanical performance. One of the critical challenges for effective graphene-based composites is the uniform distribution of graphene in the composite matrix. The effective dispersion of graphene has been the subject of signifi cant research, with the most effective methods being limited by material systems or cost. The recent development of 3-D graphene foams (GrF) [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] represents a solution for providing uniform distributions of graphene in composites. 3-D graphene foams form an interconnected continuous network of graphene thus eliminating the need for expensive and/or ineffective dispersion methods.In this study we propose the use of a 3-D graphene foam/polymer composite as a fl exible high strength biocompatible scaffolding material for tissue engineering purposes. Graphene has been shown to be a biocompatible material in recent studies. [30][31][32] Human stem cells (neural and mesenchymal) survive and experience accelerated differentiation on a graphene surface. While several studies [11][12][13][14][15][16]23,27,28 ] have utilized the high surface area and macroporous structure of 3-D graphene foambased composites for energy storage applications, only a few studies to date [ 25,33 ] have exploited the inherent advantages of this unique structure for cell support, proliferation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Studies on the biocompatibility of 3-D graphene foams have found that neural stem cells (NSCs) successfully proliferated and differentiated on the 3-D graphene structure. The porous 3-D graphene structure provides a microenvironment for the cells to grow within a 3-D biomimetic framework, while simultaneously enhancing the functionality of the electro-active neural cells by providing highly conductive pathways for charge transport. [ 33 ] Furthermore, 3-D graphene foams cultured with microglial cells exhibited antiinfl ammatory behavior not seen in 2-D graphene foams. [ 25 ] A few recent studies have also investigated the mechanical properties of graphene foam reinforced polymer composites. [34][35][36][37] Graphene foam/polymer composites exhibit superb fl exibility as evidenced by their recovery after compressive strains of up to 80% [ 36,37 ] and cyclic bending tests of nearly 180°. [ 34 ] The Three Dimensional Graphene Foam/Polymer Hybrid as a High Strength Biocompatible ScaffoldAndy Nieto , Rupak Dua , Cheng Zhang , Benjamin Boesl , Sharan Ramaswamy , and Arvind Agarwal * Graphene foam (GrF)/polylactic acid-poly-ε-caprolactone copolymer (PLC) hybrid (GrF-PLC) scaffold is synthesized in order to utilize both the desirable properties of graphene and that of foams such as excellent structural characteristics and a networked 3-D structure for cells to proliferate in. The hybrid scaffold is synthesized by a...

Mechanical Properties of Graphene Foam and Graphene Foam—Tissue Composites

“…Graphene has been utilized as a component of batteries, [10] within super capacitors, [11] for its electrochemical sensing capabilities, [12][13] and more recently in the field of tissue engineering. [9][14]–[17] Specifically, the three dimensional analogue of graphene, graphene foam, (GF) has recently been shown as an effective bioscaffold for stem cell growth and differentiation along various neuronal and musculoskeletal lineages. 14–17 These GF – tissue composites are not only biocompatible, but they also promote rapid cell attachment, [18] proliferation, and the spontaneous osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs).…”

“…[9][14]–[17] Specifically, the three dimensional analogue of graphene, graphene foam, (GF) has recently been shown as an effective bioscaffold for stem cell growth and differentiation along various neuronal and musculoskeletal lineages. 14–17 These GF – tissue composites are not only biocompatible, but they also promote rapid cell attachment, [18] proliferation, and the spontaneous osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). [15] GF creates a biomimetic microenvironment that allows for good nutrient and waste transport [18] and its high specific surface area facilitates good cell attachment.…”

Graphene Foam as a Three-Dimensional Platform for Myotube Growth

“…GF has already found use in battery and supercapacitor technology and has exhibited potential for hydrophobic coating and filtering applications. 13-16 Additionally, GF is rapidly emerging as a platform for advanced biomedical, biosensing and tissue engineering therapies 17-19 and has already been demonstrated as a biocompatible platform for neural cell growth, osteogenic differentiation, and chondrogenic differentiation. 17,20-21 However, the use of graphene foam as a conductive 3D scaffold for muscle tissue remains unreported.…”

“…13-16 Additionally, GF is rapidly emerging as a platform for advanced biomedical, biosensing and tissue engineering therapies 17-19 and has already been demonstrated as a biocompatible platform for neural cell growth, osteogenic differentiation, and chondrogenic differentiation. 17,20-21 However, the use of graphene foam as a conductive 3D scaffold for muscle tissue remains unreported. Such a demonstration would show that graphene foam is a suitable platform for growth of the major components of the musculoskeletal system, while providing a platform to electrically interface with engineered muscle tissue for a variety of applications in tissue models and bio hybrid systems.…”

Enhancing the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells on casein phosphopeptide-biofunctionalized 3D reduced-graphene oxide/polypyrrole scaffolds

“…Also, their architecture roughly denes the ultimate conguration of the new bone and cartilage. 3 An ideal scaffold should have the following typical features:…”