Investigation into morphological and electromechanical surface properties of reduced-graphene-oxide-loaded composite fibers for bone tissue engineering applications: A comprehensive nanoscale study using atomic force microscopy approach

Graphene: A Multifaceted Carbon-Based Material for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

Tissue engineering is an emerging technological field that aims to restore and replace human tissues. A significant number of individuals require bone replacement annually as a result of skeletal abnormalities or accidents. In recent decades, notable progress has been made in the field of biomedical research, specifically in the realm of sophisticated and biocompatible materials. The purpose of these biomaterials is to facilitate bone tissue regeneration. Carbon nanomaterial-based scaffolds are particularly notable due to their accessibility, mechanical durability, and biofunctionality. The scaffolds exhibit the capacity to enhance cellular proliferation, mitigate cell damage, induce bone tissue growth, and maintain biological compatibility. Therefore, they play a crucial role in the development of the bone matrix and the necessary cellular interactions required for bone tissue restoration. The attachment, growth, and specialization of osteogenic stem cells on biomaterial scaffolds play critical roles in bone tissue engineering. The optimal biomaterial should facilitate the development of bone tissue in a manner that closely resembles that of human bone. This comprehensive review encompasses the examination of graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), fullerenes, carbon dots (CDs), nanodiamonds, and their respective derivatives. The biomaterial frameworks possess the ability to replicate the intricate characteristics of the bone microenvironment, thereby rendering them suitable for utilization in tissue engineering endeavors.

Flake Graphene as an Efficient Agent Governing Cellular Fate and Antimicrobial Properties of Fibrous Tissue Engineering Scaffolds—A Review

Although there are several methods for fabricating nanofibrous scaffolds for biomedical applications, electrospinning is probably the most versatile and feasible process. Electrospinning enables the preparation of reproducible, homogeneous fibers from many types of polymers. In addition, implementation of this technique gives the possibility to fabricated polymer-based composite mats embroidered with manifold materials, such as graphene. Flake graphene and its derivatives represent an extremely promising material for imparting new, biomedically relevant properties, functions, and applications. Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), among many extraordinary properties, confer antimicrobial properties of the resulting material. Moreover, graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide promote the desired cellular response. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine enable advanced treatments to regenerate damaged tissues and organs. This review provides a reliable summary of the recent scientific literature on the fabrication of nanofibers and their further modification with GO/rGO flakes for biomedical applications.

Flake Graphene-Based Nanomaterial Approach for Triggering a Ferroptosis as an Attractive Theranostic Outlook for Tackling Non-Small Lung Cancer: A Mini Review

Lung cancer is a highly aggressive neoplasm that is now a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. One of the major approaches for killing cancer cells is related with activation of apoptotic cell death with anti-cancer drugs. However, the efficiency of apoptosis induction in tumors is limited. Consequently, the development of other forms of non-apoptotic cell death is up to date challenge for scientists worldwide. This situation motivated us to define the aim of this mini-review: gathering knowledge regarding ferroptosis—newly defined programmed cell death process characterized by the excessive accumulation of iron—and combining it with yet another interesting nanomaterial-based graphene approach. In this manuscript, we presented brief information about non-small lung cancer and ferroptosis, followed by a section depicting the key-features of graphene-based nanomaterials influencing their biologically relevant properties.

Morphology and Chemical Purity of Water Suspension of Graphene Oxide FLAKES Aged for 14 Months in Ambient Conditions. A Preliminary Study

Graphene and its derivatives have attracted scientists’ interest due to their exceptional properties, making them alluring candidates for multiple applications. However, still little is known about the properties of as-obtained graphene derivatives during long-term storage. The aim of this study was to check whether or not 14 months of storage time impacts graphene oxide flakes’ suspension purity. Complementary micro and nanoscale characterization techniques (SEM, AFM, EDS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and elemental combustion analysis) were implemented for a detailed description of the topography and chemical properties of graphene oxide flakes. The final step was pH evaluation of as-obtained and aged samples. Our findings show that purified flakes sustained their purity over 14 months of storage.