Tailored Fringed Platforms Produced by Laser Interference for Aligned Neural Cell Growth

Optical Modification of 2D Materials: Methods and Applications

2D materials are under extensive research due to their remarkable properties suitable for various optoelectronic, photonic, and biological applications, yet their conventional fabrication methods are typically harsh and cost-ineffective. Optical modification is demonstrated as an effective and scalable method for accurate and local in situ engineering and patterning of 2D materials in ambient conditions. This review focuses on the state of the art of optical modification of 2D materials and their applications. Perspectives for future developments in this field are also discussed, including novel laser tools, new optical modification strategies, and their emerging applications in quantum technologies and biotechnologies.

Electroactive Scaffolds for Neurogenesis and Myogenesis: Graphene-Based Nanomaterials

One of the major issues in tissue engineering is constructing a functional scaffold to support cell growth and also provide proper synergistic guidance cues. Graphene-based nanomaterials have emerged as biocompatible and electroactive scaffolds for neurogenesis and myogenesis, due to their excellent tunable chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. This review first assesses the recent investigations focusing on the fabrication and applications of graphene-based nanomaterials for neurogenesis and myogenesis, in the form of either 2D films, 3D scaffolds, or composite architectures. Besides, because of their outstanding electrical properties, graphene family materials are particularly suitable for designing electroactive scaffolds that could provide proper electrical stimulation (i.e., electrical or photo stimuli) to promote the regeneration of excitable neurons and muscle cells. Therefore, the effects and mechanism of electrical and/or photo stimulations on neurogenesis and myogenesis are followed. Furthermore, studies on their biocompatibilities and toxicities especially to neural and muscle cells are evaluated. Finally, the future challenges and perspectives in facilitating the development of clinical translation of graphene-family nanomaterials in treating neurodegenerative and muscle diseases are discussed.

Highly Tunable and Scalable Fabrication of 3D Flexible Graphene Micropatterns for Directing Cell Alignment

Patterning graphene allows to precisely tune its properties to manufacture flexible functional materials or miniaturized devices for electronic and biomedical applications. However, conventional lithographic techniques are cumbersome for scalable production of time- and cost-effective graphene patterns, thus greatly impeding their practical applications. Here, we present a simple scalable fabrication of wafer-scale three-dimensional (3D) graphene micropatterns by direct laser tuning graphene oxide reduction and expansion using a LightScribe DVD writer. This one-step laser-scribing process can produce custom-made 3D graphene patterns on the surface of a disk with dimensions ranging from microscale up to decimeter scale in about 20 min. Through control over laser-scribing parameters, the resulting various 3D graphene patterns are exploited as scaffolds for controlling cell alignment. The 3D graphene patterns demonstrate their potential to biomedical applications, beyond the fields of electronics and photonics, which will allow to incorporate flexible graphene patterns for 3D cell or tissue culture to promote tissue engineering and drug testing applications.