| Tapas R. Nayak, Henrik Andersen, Venkata S. Makam, Clement Khaw, Sukang Bae, Xiangfan Xu, Pui-Lai R. Ee, Jong-Hyun Ahn, Byung Hee Hong, Giorgia Pastorin, Barbaros Özyilmaz
This study investigates the use of graphene as a biocompatible scaffold for the controlled and accelerated osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The researchers found that graphene does not hinder the proliferation of hMSCs and accelerates their differentiation into bone cells, comparable to the effects of common growth factors. The study demonstrates that graphene's mechanical properties, surface morphology, and chemical interactions with cells contribute to its effectiveness. Specifically, the ripples and wrinkles on the graphene surface mimic the disordered nanopit arrays found on some ceramic substrates, which have been shown to enhance cell adhesion and differentiation. Additionally, the high Young's modulus and flexibility of graphene allow for out-of-plane deformation, potentially providing mechanical cues that promote osteogenic differentiation. The results suggest that graphene could be a promising material for stem cell-based regenerative medicine, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for tissue engineering applications.This study investigates the use of graphene as a biocompatible scaffold for the controlled and accelerated osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The researchers found that graphene does not hinder the proliferation of hMSCs and accelerates their differentiation into bone cells, comparable to the effects of common growth factors. The study demonstrates that graphene's mechanical properties, surface morphology, and chemical interactions with cells contribute to its effectiveness. Specifically, the ripples and wrinkles on the graphene surface mimic the disordered nanopit arrays found on some ceramic substrates, which have been shown to enhance cell adhesion and differentiation. Additionally, the high Young's modulus and flexibility of graphene allow for out-of-plane deformation, potentially providing mechanical cues that promote osteogenic differentiation. The results suggest that graphene could be a promising material for stem cell-based regenerative medicine, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for tissue engineering applications.