Graphene Oxide Hierarchical Patterns for the Derivation of Electrophysiologically Functional Neuron-like Cells from Human Neural Stem Cells

Nerve guide conduits promote nerve regeneration under a combination of electrical stimulation and RSCs combined with stem cell differentiation

Nerve guide conduits (NGCs) offer a promising alternative to traditional tools for regenerating peripheral nerves. The efficacy of nerve regeneration and functional recovery is heavily dependent on the electrical, chemical, and physical properties of NGCs. A bionic melt electrowriting (MEW) NGC loaded with placental derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDMSCs) has been developed. Our study introduces a novel approach by utilizing Schwann cells induced from placental mesenchymal stem cells (PDMSCs), showcasing their potential in enhancing nerve regeneration when integrated with conductive nerve guidance conduits. Schwann cells (SCs) are crucial for nerve regeneration, and while various stem cells, including bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), have been investigated as sources of SCs for NGC loading, they are often limited by ethical concerns and restricted availability. PDMSCs, however, offer the advantages of widespread sourcing and unique ability to differentiate into SCs, making them an attractive alternative for NGC applications. This NGC utilizes an electrostatic direct writing technique employing polycaprolactone (PCL) for the sheath and a crimped fiber scaffold made of polypyrrole (PPY) incorporated with PDMSCs for its internal structure. The bionic PC-NGC loaded with PDMSCs exhibits favorable characteristics including permeability, mechanical stability, and electrical conductivity. The PPY component effectively transmits physiological nerve signals, thereby promoting nerve regeneration, while the PDMSCs differentiate into Schwann cells, creating a conducive environment for nerve regeneration. This research innovatively combines PDMSCs, known for their wide availability and SC differentiation potential, with a bionic NGC to enhance the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs). In vitro evaluations have confirmed the excellent biocompatibility of the materials used. Animal experiments using a rat model with sciatic nerve injury demonstrated that the PC-NGC significently facilitated peripheral nerve regeneration. This was evidenced by improvements in axonal myelination, increased muscle mass, enhanced sciatic nerve function index, and positive electrophysiological findings. These outcomes are comparable to those achieved through autologous transplantation. Characterized by its layered oriented fibers, the bionic PC-NGC integrates multi-scale and multifunctional biomaterials with PDMSCs to effectively address peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs). The use of this printed NGC stimulates neuronal cell growth, thereby accelerating nerve regeneration. This innovative approach in tissue engineering presents a promising clinical treatment strategy for PNIs.

Promoting effect of phosvitin in the mineralization of eggshell inner membrane with the application in osteogenic induction scaffold

Exploring affordable and easily prepared inorganic-organic hybrid membrane materials has attracted a great interest in the bone repair field. This study is based on biomimetic mineralization technique to study the role of phosvitin (PV) in the mineralized process of eggshell inner membrane. Results showed that PV promoted the formation of hydroxyapatite on the eggshell inner membrane surface, and the phosvitin content in the simulated body fluid was decreased during the mineralization process. Besides, in vitro preosteoblast experiments indicated that mineralized membrane with PV exhibited more conducive to cell proliferation and differentiation than that mineralized membrane without PV. Interestingly, with the increase of mineralization time, the stimulating ability of mineralized membranes with PV on adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and collagen type I content gradually improved. In summary, the eggshell inner membrane composites mineralized with PV obtained by biomimetic mineralization might be potential scaffold materials for bone repair.

Nanoscale surface coatings and topographies for neural interfaces

With the lack of minimally invasive tools for probing neuronal systems across spatiotemporal scales, understanding the working mechanism of the nervous system and limited assessments available are imperative to prevent or treat neurological disorders. In particular, nanoengineered neural interfaces can provide a solution to this technological barrier. This review covers recent surface engineering approaches, including nanoscale surface coatings, and a range of topographies from the microscale to the nanoscale, primarily focusing on neural-interfaced biosystems. Specifically, the immobilization of bioactive molecules to fertilize the neural cell lineage, topographical engineering to induce mechanotransduction in neural cells, and enhanced cell-chip coupling using three-dimensional structured surfaces are highlighted. Advances in neural interface design will help us understand the nervous system, thereby achieving the effective treatments for neurological disorders. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: • This review focuses on designing bioactive neural interface with a nanoscale chemical modification and topographical engineering at multiscale perspective. • Versatile nanoscale surface coatings and topographies for neural interface are summarized. • Recent advances in bioactive materials applicable for neural cell culture, electrophysiological sensing, and neural implants are reviewed.

Regulated Behavior in Living Cells with Highly Aligned Configurations on Nanowrinkled Graphene Oxide Substrates: Deep Learning Based on Interplay of Cellular Contact Guidance

Micro-/nanotopographical cues have emerged as a practical and promising strategy for controlling cell fate and reprogramming, which play a key role as biophysical regulators in diverse cellular processes and behaviors. Extracellular biophysical factors can trigger intracellular physiological signaling via mechanotransduction and promote cellular responses such as cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, gene/protein expression, and differentiation. Here, we engineered a highly ordered nanowrinkled graphene oxide (GO) surface via the mechanical deformation of an ultrathin GO film on an elastomeric substrate to observe specific cellular responses based on surface-mediated topographical cues. The ultrathin GO film on the uniaxially prestrained elastomeric substrate through self-assembly and subsequent compressive force produced GO nanowrinkles with periodic amplitude. To examine the acute cellular behaviors on the GO-based cell interface with nanostructured arrays of wrinkles, we cultured L929 fibroblasts and HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells. As a result, our developed cell-culture substrate obviously provided a directional guidance effect. In addition, based on the observed results, we adapted a deep learning (DL)-based data processing technique to precisely interpret the cell behaviors on the nanowrinkled GO surfaces. According to the learning/transfer learning protocol of the DL network, we detected cell boundaries, elongation, and orientation and quantitatively evaluated cell velocity, traveling distance, displacement, and orientation. The presented experimental results have intriguing implications such that the nanotopographical microenvironment could engineer the living cells' morphological polarization to assemble them into useful tissue chips consisting of multiple cell types.

Micro/nano-patterns for enhancing differentiation of human neural stem cells and fabrication of nerve conduits via soft lithography and 3D printing

Topographical cues on materials can manipulate cellular fate, particularly for neural cells that respond well to such cues. Utilizing biomaterial surfaces with topographical features can effectively influence neuronal differentiation and promote neurite outgrowth. This is crucial for improving the regeneration of damaged neural tissue after injury. Here, we utilized groove patterns to create neural conduits that promote neural differentiation and axonal growth. We investigated the differentiation of human neural stem cells (NSCs) on silicon dioxide groove patterns with varying height-to-width/spacing ratios. We hypothesize that NSCs can sense the microgrooves with nanoscale depth on different aspect ratio substrates and exhibit different morphologies and differentiation fate. A comprehensive approach was employed, analyzing cell morphology, neurite length, and cell-specific markers. These aspects provided insights into the behavior of the investigated NSCs and their response to the topographical cues. Three groove-pattern models were designed with varying height-to-width/spacing ratios of 80, 42, and 30 for groove pattern widths of 1 μm, 5 μm, and 10 μm and nanoheights of 80 nm, 210 nm, and 280 nm. Smaller groove patterns led to longer neurites and more effective differentiation towards neurons, whereas larger patterns promoted multidimensional differentiation towards both neurons and glia. We transferred these cues onto patterned polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL-graphene oxide (PCL-GO) composite 'stamps' using simple soft lithography and reproducible extrusion 3D printing methods. The patterned scaffolds elicited a response from NSCs comparable to that of silicon dioxide groove patterns. The smallest pattern stimulated the highest neurite outgrowth, while the middle-sized grooves of PCL-GO induced effective synaptogenesis. We demonstrated the potential for such structures to be wrapped into tubes and used as grafts for peripheral nerve regeneration. Grooved PCL and PCL-GO conduits could be a promising alternative to nerve grafting.

Toward a New Generation of Bio-Scaffolds for Neural Tissue Engineering: Challenges and Perspectives

Neural tissue engineering presents a compelling technological breakthrough in restoring brain function, holding immense promise. However, the quest to develop implantable scaffolds for neural culture that fulfill all necessary criteria poses a remarkable challenge for material science. These materials must possess a host of desirable characteristics, including support for cellular survival, proliferation, and neuronal migration and the minimization of inflammatory responses. Moreover, they should facilitate electrochemical cell communication, display mechanical properties akin to the brain, emulate the intricate architecture of the extracellular matrix, and ideally allow the controlled release of substances. This comprehensive review delves into the primary requisites, limitations, and prospective avenues for scaffold design in brain tissue engineering. By offering a panoramic overview, our work aims to serve as an essential resource, guiding the creation of materials endowed with bio-mimetic properties, ultimately revolutionizing the treatment of neurological disorders by developing brain-implantable scaffolds.

GelMA-MXene hydrogel nerve conduits with microgrooves for spinal cord injury repair

Repair of spinal cord injury (SCI) depends on microenvironment improvement and the reconnection between injured axons and regenerated neurons. Here, we fabricate a GelMA-MXene hydrogel nerve conduit with electrical conductivity and internal-facing longitudinal grooves and explore its function in SCI repair. It is found that the resultant grooved GelMA-MXene hydrogel could effectively promote the neural stem cells (NSCs) adhesion, directed proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Additionally, when the GelMA-MXene conduit loaded with NSCs (GMN) is implanted into the injured spinal cord site, effective repair capability for the complete transection of SCI was demonstrated. The GMN group shows remarkable nerve recovery and significantly higher BBB scores in comparison to the other groups. Therefore, GMN with the microgroove structure and loaded with NSCs is a promising strategy in treating SCI.

Graphene Family Nanomaterials for Stem Cell Neurogenic Differentiation and Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Stem cells play a critical role in peripheral nerve regeneration. Nerve scaffolds fabricated by specific materials can help induce the neurogenic differentiation of stem cells. Therefore, it is a potential strategy to enhance therapeutic efficiency. Graphene family nanomaterials are widely applied in repairing peripheral nerves. However, the mechanism underlying the pro-regeneration effects remains elusive. In this review, we first discuss the properties of graphene family nanomaterials, including monolayer and multilayer graphene, few-layer graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and graphene quantum dots. We also introduce their applications in regulating stem cell differentiation. Then, we review the potential mechanisms of the neurogenic differentiation of stem cells facilitated by the materials. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges in this field to advance the development of nerve biomaterials.

An Update on Graphene Oxide: Applications and Toxicity

Graphene oxide (GO) has attracted much attention in the past few years because of its interesting and promising electrical, thermal, mechanical, and structural properties. These properties can be altered, as GO can be readily functionalized. Brodie synthesized the GO in 1859 by reacting graphite with KClO3 in the presence of fuming HNO3; the reaction took 3-4 days to complete at 333 K. Since then, various schemes have been developed to reduce the reaction time, increase the yield, and minimize the release of toxic byproducts (NO2 and N2O4). The modified Hummers method has been widely accepted to produce GO in bulk. Due to its versatile characteristics, GO has a wide range of applications in different fields like tissue engineering, photocatalysis, catalysis, and biomedical applications. Its porous structure is considered appropriate for tissue and organ regeneration. Various branches of tissue engineering are being extensively explored, such as bone, neural, dentistry, cartilage, and skin tissue engineering. The band gap of GO can be easily tuned, and therefore it has a wide range of photocatalytic applications as well: the degradation of organic contaminants, hydrogen generation, and CO2 reduction, etc. GO could be a potential nanocarrier in drug delivery systems, gene delivery, biological sensing, and antibacterial nanocomposites due to its large surface area and high density, as it is highly functionalized with oxygen-containing functional groups. GO or its composites are found to be toxic to various biological species and as also discussed in this review. It has been observed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels gradually increase over a period after GO is introduced in the biological systems. Hence, GO at specific concentrations is toxic for various species like earthworms, Chironomus riparius, Zebrafish, etc.

Influence of the properties of different graphene-based nanomaterials dispersed in polycaprolactone membranes on astrocytic differentiation

Composites of polymer and graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) combine easy processing onto porous 3D membrane geometries due to the polymer and cellular differentiation stimuli due to GBNs fillers. Aiming to step forward to the clinical application of polymer/GBNs composites, this study performs a systematic and detailed comparative analysis of the influence of the properties of four different GBNs: (i) graphene oxide obtained from graphite chemically processes (GO); (ii) reduced graphene oxide (rGO); (iii) multilayered graphene produced by mechanical exfoliation method (Gmec); and (iv) low-oxidized graphene via anodic exfoliation (Ganodic); dispersed in polycaprolactone (PCL) porous membranes to induce astrocytic differentiation. PCL/GBN flat membranes were fabricated by phase inversion technique and broadly characterized in morphology and topography, chemical structure, hydrophilicity, protein adsorption, and electrical properties. Cellular assays with rat C6 glioma cells, as model for cell-specific astrocytes, were performed. Remarkably, low GBN loading (0.67 wt%) caused an important difference in the response of the C6 differentiation among PCL/GBN membranes. PCL/rGO and PCL/GO membranes presented the highest biomolecule markers for astrocyte differentiation. Our results pointed to the chemical structural defects in rGO and GO nanomaterials and the protein adsorption mechanisms as the most plausible cause conferring distinctive properties to PCL/GBN membranes for the promotion of astrocytic differentiation. Overall, our systematic comparative study provides generalizable conclusions and new evidences to discern the role of GBNs features for future research on 3D PCL/graphene composite hollow fiber membranes for in vitro neural models.

Regulatory Effects of Gradient Microtopographies on Synapse Formation and Neurite Growth in Hippocampal Neurons

Among approaches aiming toward functional nervous system restoration, those implementing microfabrication techniques allow the manufacture of platforms with distinct geometry where neurons can develop and be guided to form patterned connections in vitro. The interplay between neuronal development and the microenvironment, shaped by the physical limitations, remains largely unknown. Therefore, it is crucial to have an efficient way to quantify neuronal morphological changes induced by physical or contact guidance of the microenvironment. In this study, we first devise and assess a method to prepare anisotropic, gradient poly(dimethylsiloxane) micro-ridge/groove arrays featuring variable local pattern width. We then demonstrate the ability of this single substrate to simultaneously profile the morphologcial and synaptic connectivity changes of primary cultured hippocampal neurons reacting to variable physical conditons, throughout neurodevelopment, in vitro. The gradient microtopography enhanced adhesion within microgrooves, increasing soma density with decreasing pattern width. Decreasing pattern width also reduced dendritic arborization and increased preferential axon growth. Finally, decreasing pattern geometry inhibited presynaptic puncta architecture. Collectively, a method to examine structural development and connectivity in response to physical stimuli is established, and potentially provides insight into microfabricated geometries which promote neural regeneration and repair.

Graphene and graphene-based materials in axonal repair of spinal cord injury

Graphene and graphene-based materials have the ability to induce stem cells to differentiate into neurons, which is necessary to overcome the current problems faced in the clinical treatment of spinal cord injury. This review summarizes the advantages of graphene and graphene-based materials (in particular, composite materials) in axonal repair after spinal cord injury. These materials have good histocompatibility, and mechanical and adsorption properties that can be targeted to improve the environment of axonal regeneration. They also have good conductivity, which allows them to make full use of electrical nerve signal stimulation in spinal cord tissue to promote axonal regeneration. Furthermore, they can be used as carriers of seed cells, trophic factors, and drugs in nerve tissue engineering scaffolds to provide a basis for constructing a local microenvironment after spinal cord injury. However, to achieve clinical adoption of graphene and graphene-based materials for the repair of spinal cord injury, further research is needed to reduce their toxicity.

Impact of Graphene Derivatives as Artificial Extracellular Matrices on Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Thanks to stem cells' capability to differentiate into multiple cell types, damaged human tissues and organs can be rapidly well-repaired. Therefore, their applicability in the emerging field of regenerative medicine can be further expanded, serving as a promising multifunctional tool for tissue engineering, treatments for various diseases, and other biomedical applications as well. However, the differentiation and survival of the stem cells into specific lineages is crucial to be exclusively controlled. In this frame, growth factors and chemical agents are utilized to stimulate and adjust proliferation and differentiation of the stem cells, although challenges related with degradation, side effects, and high cost should be overcome. Owing to their unique physicochemical and biological properties, graphene-based nanomaterials have been widely used as scaffolds to manipulate stem cell growth and differentiation potential. Herein, we provide the most recent research progress in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) growth, differentiation and function utilizing graphene derivatives as extracellular scaffolds. The interaction of graphene derivatives in human and rat MSCs has been also evaluated. Graphene-based nanomaterials are biocompatible, exhibiting a great potential applicability in stem-cell-mediated regenerative medicine as they may promote the behaviour control of the stem cells. Finally, the challenges, prospects and future trends in the field are discussed.

Phenotypic change of mesenchymal stem cells into smooth muscle cells regulated by dynamic cell-surface interactions on patterned arrays of ultrathin graphene oxide substrates

The topographical interface of the extracellular environment has been appreciated as a principal biophysical regulator for modulating cell functions, such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Despite the existed approaches that use two-dimensional nanomaterials to provide beneficial effects, opportunities evaluating their impact on stem cells remain open to elicit unprecedented cellular responses. Herein, we report an ultrathin cell-culture platform with potential-responsive nanoscale biointerfaces for monitoring mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We designed an intriguing nanostructured array through self-assembly of graphene oxide sheets and subsequent lithographical patterning method to produce chemophysically defined regions. MSCs cultured on anisotropic micro/nanoscale patterned substrate were spontaneously organized in a highly ordered configuration mainly due to the cell-repellent interactions. Moreover, the spatially aligned MSCs were spontaneously differentiated into smooth muscle cells upon the specific crosstalk between cells. This work provides a robust strategy for directing stem cells and differentiation, which can be utilized as a potential cell culture platform to understand cell-substrate or cell-cell interactions, further developing tissue repair and stem cell-based therapies.

Visible-light-responsive reduced graphene oxide/g-C3N4/TiO2 composite nanocoating for photoelectric stimulation of neuronal and osteoblastic differentiation

rGO/g-C3N4/TiO2 nanocoating was fabricated on Ti-based implant for photoelectric stimulation of bone and nerve repair. The ternary nanocoating exerted greater photoelectric effects on enhancing osteoblastic differentiation and neurite outgrowth.

Promising Graphene-Based Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications and Potential Risks: A Comprehensive Review

Graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) have been the subject of research focus in the scientific community because of their excellent physical, chemical, electrical, mechanical, thermal, and optical properties. Several studies have been conducted on GBNs, and they have provided a detailed review and summary of various applications. However, comprehensive comments on biomedical applications and potential risks and strategies to reduce toxicity are limited. In this review, we systematically summarized the following aspects of GBNs in order to fill the gaps: (1) the history, synthesis methods, structural characteristics, and surface modification; (2) the latest advances in biomedical applications (including drug/gene delivery, biosensors, bioimaging, tissue engineering, phototherapy, and antibacterial activity); and (3) biocompatibility, potential risks (toxicity in vivo/vitro and effects on human health and the environment), and strategies to reduce toxicity. Moreover, we have analyzed the challenges to be overcome in order to enhance application of GBNs in the biomedical field.

Neuromechanobiology: An Expanding Field Driven by the Force of Greater Focus

The brain processes information by transmitting signals through highly connected and dynamic networks of neurons. Neurons use specific cellular structures, including axons, dendrites and synapses, and specific molecules, including cell adhesion molecules, ion channels and chemical receptors to form, maintain and communicate among cells in the networks. These cellular and molecular processes take place in environments rich of mechanical cues, thus offering ample opportunities for mechanical regulation of neural development and function. Recent studies have suggested the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the development and maintenance of these neuronal structures. Also suggested are the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the interaction and function of molecules mediating the interneuronal communications. In this review, the current understanding is integrated and promising future directions of neuromechanobiology are suggested at the cellular and molecular levels. Several neuronal processes where mechanics likely plays a role are examined and how forces affect ligand binding, conformational change, and signal induction of molecules key to these neuronal processes are indicated, especially at the synapse. The disease relevance of neuromechanobiology as well as therapies and engineering solutions to neurological disorders stemmed from this emergent field of study are also discussed.

Performance of the Polydopamine-Graphene Oxide Composite Substrate in the Osteogenic Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Graphene oxide (GO) is a biocompatible material considered a favorable stem cell culture substrate. In this study, GO was modified with polydopamine (PDA) to facilitate depositing GO onto a tissue culture polystyrene (PT) surface, and the osteogenic performance of the PDA/GO composite in pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) was investigated. The surface chemistry of the PDA/GO-coated PT surface was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A high cell viability of ESCs cultured on the PDA/GO composite-coated surface was initially ensured. Then, the osteogenic differentiation of the ESCs in response to the PDA/GO substrate was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, intracellular calcium levels, matrix mineralization assay, and evaluation of the mRNA and protein levels of osteogenic factors. The culture of ESCs on the PDA/GO substrate presented higher osteogenic potency than that on the uncoated control surface. ESCs cultured on the PDA/GO substrate expressed significantly higher levels of integrin α5 and β1, as well as bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR) types I and II, compared with the control groups. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, p38, and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was observed in ESCs culture on the PDA/GO substrate. Moreover, BMP signal transduction by SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation was increased more in cells on PDA/GO than in the control. The nuclear translocation of SMAD1/5/8 in cells was also processed in response to the PDA/GO substrate. Blocking activation of the integrin α5/β1, MAPK, or SMAD signaling pathways downregulated the PDA/GO-induced osteogenic differentiation of ESCs. These results suggest that the PDA/GO composite stimulates the osteogenic differentiation of ESCs via the integrin α5/β1, MAPK, and BMPR/SMAD signaling pathways.

4D spatiotemporal modulation of biomolecules distribution in anisotropic corrugated microwrinkles via electrically manipulated microcapsules within hierarchical hydrogel for spinal cord regeneration

Although traditional 3D scaffolds or biomimetic hydrogels have been used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, soft tissue microenvironment usually has a highly anisotropic structure and a dynamically controllable deformation with various biomolecule distribution. In this study, we developed a hierarchical hybrid gelatin methacrylate-microcapsule hydrogel (HGMH) with Neurotrophin-3(NT-3)-loaded PLGA microcapsules to fabricate anisotropic structure with patterned NT-3 distribution (demonstrated as striped and triangular patterns) by dielectrophoresis (DEP). The HGMH provides a dynamic biomimetic sinuate-microwrinkles change with NT-3 spatial gradient and 2-stage time-dependent distribution, which was further simulated using a 3D finite element model. As demonstrated, in comparison with striped-patterned hydrogel, the triangular-patterned HGMH with highly anisotropic array of microcapsules exhibits remarkably spatial NT-3 gradient distributions that can not only guide neural stem cells (NSCs) migration but also facilitate spinal cord injury regeneration. This approach to construct hierarchical 4D hydrogel system via an electromicrofluidic platform demonstrates the potential for building various biomimetic soft scaffolds in vitro tailed to real soft tissues.

Nanotechnology shaping stem cell therapy: Recent advances, application, challenges, and future outlook

Currently, stem cell nanotechnology is one of the novel and exciting fields. Certain experimental studies conducted on the interaction of stem cells with nanostructures or nanomaterials have made significant progress. The significance of nanostructures, nanotechnology, and nanomaterials in the development of stem cell-based therapies for degenerative diseases and injuries has been well established. Specifically, the structure and properties of nanomaterials affecting the propagation and differentiation of stem cells have become a new interdisciplinary frontier in material science and regeneration medicines. In the current review, we highlight the recent major progress in this field, explore the application prospects, and discuss the issues, approaches, and challenges, to improve the applications of nanotechnology in the research and development of stem cells.

Microglia Play an Essential Role in Synapse Development and Neuron Maturation in Tissue-Engineered Neural Tissues

In the process of constructing engineered neural tissues, we often use mixed primary neural cells, which contain microglia in the cell culture. However, the role that microglia play in the construction of engineered neural tissue has not been well studied. Here, we generated three-dimensional (3D) engineered neural tissues by silk fibroin/collagen composite scaffolds and primary mixed cortical cells. We depleted microglial cells by magnetic separation. Then, we analyzed the neural growth, development, mature and synapse-related gene, and protein expressions compared with the control engineered neural tissues with the microglia-depleted engineered neural tissues. We found that the engineered neural tissues constructed by magnetic separation to remove microglia showed a decrease in the number of synaptic proteins and mature neurons. These findings link microglia to neuron and synaptic maturation and suggest the importance of microglia in constructing engineered neural tissues in vitro.

Graphene oxide and electroactive reduced graphene oxide-based composite fibrous scaffolds for engineering excitable nerve tissue

This study systematically investigates the role of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced GO (rGO)/silk-based composite micro/nano-fibrous scaffolds in regulating neuronal cell behavior in vitro, given the limited comparative studies on the effects of graphene family materials on nerve regeneration. Fibrous scaffolds can mimic the architecture of the native extracellular matrix and are potential candidates for tissue engineering peripheral nerves. Silk/GO micro/nano-fibrous scaffolds were electrospun with GO loadings 1 to 10 wt.%, and optionally post-reduced in situ to explore a family of electrically conductive non-woven silk/rGO scaffolds. Conductivities up to 4 × 10^-5 S cm^-1 were recorded in the dry state, which increased up to 3 × 10^-4 S cm^-1 after hydration. Neuronoma NG108-15 cells adhered and were viable on all substrates. Enhanced metabolic activity and proliferation were observed on the GO-containing scaffolds, and these cell responses were further promoted for electroactive silk/rGO. Neurite extensions up to 100 μm were achieved by day 5, with maximum outgrowth up to ~250 μm on some of the conductive substrates. These electroactive composite fibrous scaffolds exhibit potential to enhance the neuronal cell response and could be versatile supportive substrates for neural tissue engineering applications.

Conductive Biomaterials as Substrates for Neural Stem Cells Differentiation towards Neuronal Lineage Cells

The injuries and defects in the central nervous system are the causes of disability and death of an affected person. As of now, there are no clinically available methods to enhance neural structural regeneration and functional recovery of nerve injuries. Recently, some experimental studies claimed that the injuries in brain can be repaired by progenitor or neural stem cells located in the neurogenic sites of adult mammalian brain. Various attempts have been made to construct biomimetic physiological microenvironment for neural stem cells to control their ultimate fate. Conductive materials have been considered as one the best choices for nerve regeneration due to the capacity to mimic the microenvironment of stem cells and regulate the alignment, growth, and differentiation of neural stem cells. The review highlights the use of conductive biomaterials, e.g., polypyrrole, polyaniline, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), multi-walled carbon nanotubes, single-wall carbon nanotubes, graphene, and graphite oxide, for controlling the neural stem cells activities in terms of proliferation and neuronal differentiation. The effects of conductive biomaterials in axon elongation and synapse formation for optimal repair of central nervous system injuries are also discussed.

Graphene Hybrid Materials for Controlling Cellular Microenvironments

Cellular microenvironments are known as key factors controlling various cell functions, including adhesion, growth, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis. Many materials, including proteins, polymers, and metal hybrid composites, are reportedly effective in regulating cellular microenvironments, mostly via reshaping and manipulating cell morphologies, which ultimately affect cytoskeletal dynamics and related genetic behaviors. Recently, graphene and its derivatives have emerged as promising materials in biomedical research owing to their biocompatible properties as well as unique physicochemical characteristics. In this review, we will highlight and discuss recent studies reporting the regulation of the cellular microenvironment, with particular focus on the use of graphene derivatives or graphene hybrid materials to effectively control stem cell differentiation and cancer cell functions and behaviors. We hope that this review will accelerate research on the use of graphene derivatives to regulate various cellular microenvironments, which will ultimately be useful for both cancer therapy and stem cell-based regenerative medicine.

3D Reduced Graphene Oxide Scaffolds with a Combinatorial Fibrous-Porous Architecture for Neural Tissue Engineering

Graphene oxide (GO) assists a diverse set of promising routes to build bioactive neural microenvironments by easily interacting with other biomaterials to enhance their bulk features or, alternatively, self-assembling toward the construction of biocompatible systems with specific three-dimensional (3D) geometries. Herein, we first modulate both size and available oxygen groups in GO nanosheets to adjust the physicochemical and biological properties of polycaprolactone-gelatin electrospun nanofibrous systems. The results show that the incorporation of customized GO nanosheets modulates the properties of the nanofibers and, subsequently, markedly influences the viability of neural progenitor cell cultures. Interestingly, the partially reduced GO (rGO) nanosheets with larger dimensions trigger the best cell response, while the rGO nanosheets with smaller size provoke an accentuated decrease in the cytocompatibility of the resulting electrospun meshes. Then, the most auspicious nanofibers are synergistically accommodated onto the surface of 3D-rGO heterogeneous porous networks, giving rise to fibrous-porous combinatorial architectures suitable for enhancing adhesion and differentiation of neural cells. By varying the chemical composition of the nanofibers, it is possible to adapt their performance as physical crosslinkers for the rGO sheets, leading to the modulation of both pore size and structural/mechanical integrity of the scaffold. Importantly, the biocompatibility of the resultant fibrous-porous systems is not compromised after 14 days of cell culture, including standard differentiation patterns of neural progenitor cells. Overall, in light of these in vitro results, the reported scaffolding approach presents not only an indisputable capacity to support highly viable and interconnected neural circuits but also the potential to unlock novel strategies for neural tissue engineering applications.

Enhanced nerve cell proliferation and differentiation on electrically conductive scaffolds embedded with graphene and carbon nanotubes

Conduits that promote nerve regeneration are currently of great medical concern, particularly when gaps exist between nerve endings. To address this issue, our laboratory previously developed a nerve conduit from biodegradable poly(caprolactone fumarate) (PCLF) that supports peripheral nerve regeneration. The present study improves upon this work by further developing an electrically conductive, positively charged PCLF scaffold through the incorporation of graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (MTAC) (PCLF-Graphene-CNT-MTAC) using ultraviolet (UV) induced photocrosslinking. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to assess the incorporation of CNTs and graphene into PCLF-Graphene-CNT-MTAC scaffolds, which displayed enhanced surface roughness and reduced electrochemical impedance when compared to neat PCLF. Scaffolds with these surface modifications also showed improved growth and differentiation of rat pheochromocytoma 12 cells in vitro, with enhanced cell growth, neurite extension, and cellular migration. Furthermore, an increased number of neurite protrusions were observed when the conduit was electrically stimulated. These results show that the electrically conductive PCLF-Graphene-CNT-MTAC nerve scaffolds presented here support the cellular behaviors that are critical for nerve regeneration, ultimately making this material an attractive candidate for regenerative medicine applications.

Graphene nanosheets as reinforcement and cell-instructive material in soft tissue scaffolds

Mechanical strength of polymeric scaffolds deteriorates quickly in the physiological mileu. This can be minimized by reinforcing the polymeric matrix with graphene, a planar two-dimensional material with unique physicochemical and biological properties. Association between the sheet and polymer chains offers a range of porosity commensurate with tissue requirements. Besides, studies suggest that corrugated structure of graphene offers desirable bio-mechanical cues for tissue regeneration. This review covers three important aspects of graphene-polymer composites, (a) the opportunity on reinforcing the polymer matrix with graphene, (b) challenges associated with limited aqueous processability of graphene, and (c) physiological signaling in the presence of graphene. Among numerous graphene materials, our discussion is limited to graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets. Challenges associated with limited dispersity of hydrophobic sheets within the polymeric matrix have been discussed at molecular level.

Graphene oxide suppresses the growth and malignancy of glioblastoma stem cell-like spheroids via epigenetic mechanisms

Background

Glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) are hypothesized to contribute to self-renewal and therapeutic resistance in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors. Constituting only a small percentage of cancer cells, GSCs possess “stem-like”, tumor-initiating properties and display resistance to irradiation and chemotherapy. Thus, novel approaches that can be used to suppress GSCs are urgently needed. A new carbon material—graphene oxide (GO), has been reported to show potential for use in tumor therapy. However, the exact effect of GO on GSCs and the inherent mechanism underlying its action are not clear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the usefulness of GO to inhibit the growth and promote the differentiation of GSCs, so as to suppress the malignancy of GBM.

Methods

In vitro effects of GO on sphere-forming ability, cell proliferation and differentiation were evaluated in U87, U251 GSCs and primary GSCs. The changes in cell cycle and the level of epigenetic modification H3K27me3 were examined. GO was also tested in vivo against U87 GSCs in mouse subcutaneous xenograft models by evaluating tumor growth and histological features.

Results

We cultured GSCs to explore the effect of GO and the underlying mechanism of its action. We found, for the first time, that GO triggers the inhibition of cell proliferation and induces apoptotic cell death in GSCs. Moreover, GO could promote the differentiation of GSCs by decreasing the expression of stem cell markers (SOX2 and CD133) and increasing the expression of differentiation-related markers (GFAP and β-III tubulin). Mechanistically, we found that GO had a striking effect on GSCs by inducing cell cycle arrest and epigenetic regulation. GO decreased H3K27me3 levels, which are regulated by EZH2 and associated with transcriptional silencing, in the promoters of the differentiation-related genes GFAP and β-III tubulin, thereby enhancing GSC differentiation. In addition, compared with untreated GSCs, GO-treated GSCs that were injected into nude mice exhibited decreased tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

These results suggested that GO could promote differentiation and reduce malignancy in GSCs via an unanticipated epigenetic mechanism, which further demonstrated that GO is a potent anti-GBM agent that could be useful for future clinical applications.

Microfluidic Silk Fibers with Aligned Hierarchical Microstructures

The hierarchical structure of the ECM provides specific niches for tissues to regulate cell behavior, yet the challenge remains to design biomaterial systems for tissue regeneration to recreate such features in vitro. Here, we achieved this goal through the use of aligned hierarchical structures of native silk fibers, generated through the integration of "bottom-up" and "top-down" strategies to generate regenerated silk fibers with aligned nano- to micro-hierarchical structures. To achieve these designs, we assembled and dispersed silk nanofibers (SNF) in formic acid and spun them into fibers using bioinspired microfluidic chips with a geometry mimicking the native silk gland. The fibers generated using this device exhibited aligned hierarchical structure with fiber mechanical properties superior to fibers derived from more traditional spinning approaches with regenerated silk solutions. Besides the improved mechanical properties, Raman spectroscopic results indicated similarly aligned structures to native fibers and active control of cell proliferation, migration, and aggregate orientation. The results indicate the feasibility of developing bioactive silk fiber materials with hierarchical structures to facilitate utility in a range of cell and tissue regeneration scenarios.

Graphene Oxide-Based Nanomaterials: An Insight into Retinal Prosthesis

Retinal prosthesis has recently emerged as a treatment strategy for retinopathies, providing excellent assistance in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa. The potential application of graphene oxide (GO), a highly biocompatible nanomaterial with superior physicochemical properties, in the fabrication of electrodes for retinal prosthesis, is reviewed in this article. This review integrates insights from biological medicine and nanotechnology, with electronic and electrical engineering technological breakthroughs, and aims to highlight innovative objectives in developing biomedical applications of retinal prosthesis.

Three-Dimensional Graphene Enhances Neural Stem Cell Proliferation Through Metabolic Regulation

Graphene consists of two-dimensional sp2-bonded carbon sheets, a single or a few layers thick, which has attracted considerable interest in recent years due to its good conductivity and biocompatibility. Three-dimensional graphene foam (3DG) has been demonstrated to be a robust scaffold for culturing neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro that not only supports NSCs growth, but also maintains cells in a more active proliferative state than 2D graphene films and ordinary glass. In addition, 3DG can enhance NSCs differentiation into astrocytes and especially neurons. However, the underlying mechanisms behind 3DG's effects are still poorly understood. Metabolism is the fundamental characteristic of life and provides substances for building and powering the cell. Metabolic activity is tightly tied with the proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal of stem cells. This study focused on the metabolic reconfiguration of stem cells induced by culturing on 3DG. This study established the correlation between metabolic reconfiguration metabolomics with NSCs cell proliferation rate on different scaffold. Several metabolic processes have been uncovered in association with the proliferation change of NSCs. Especially, culturing on 3DG triggered pathways that increased amino acid incorporation and enhanced glucose metabolism. These data suggested a potential association between graphene and pathways involved in Parkinson's disease. Our work provides a very useful starting point for further studies of NSC fate determination on 3DG.

Regulation of Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation by Graphene-Based Biomaterials

The transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) has become an emerging treatment for neural degeneration. A key factor in such treatments is to manipulate NSC behaviors such as proliferation and differentiation, resulting in the eventual regulation of NSC fate. Novel bionanomaterials have shown usefulness in guiding the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs due to the materials' unique morphological and topological properties. Among the nanomaterials, graphene has drawn increasing attention for neural regeneration applications based on the material's excellent physicochemical properties, surface modifications, and biocompatibility. In this review, we summarize recent works on the use of graphene-based biomaterials for regulating NSC behaviors and the potential use of these materials in clinical treatment. We also discuss the limitations of graphene-based nanomaterials for use in clinical practice. Finally, we provide some future prospects for graphene-based biomaterial applications in neural regeneration.

Neurite Guidance on Laser-Scribed Reduced Graphene Oxide

This paper describes a one-step, chemical-free method to generate micropatterned in vitro neuronal networks on chemically unmodified reduced graphene oxide. The suggested method relies on infrared-based photothermal reduction of graphene oxide, which concurrently leads to the formation of submicrometer-scale surface roughness that promotes neuronal adhesion and guides neurite outgrowth. A commercially available laser source (LightScribe DVD drive) controlled by a computer software can be used to reduce graphene oxide (GO), and its repetitive scribing to a GO film brings about gradual increase and decrease in electrical conductivity and neurite guiding ability of the scribed regions, respectively. Our results also indicate that the observed adhesion-promoting and neurite guiding effect originate from the contrast in surface nanotopography, but not that in conductivity. This method is readily applicable to diverse graphene-based biomedical devices.

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.

Directly repurposing waste optical discs with prefabricated nanogrooves as a platform for investigation of cell-substrate interactions and guiding neuronal growth

Due to rapid change in information technology, many consumer electronics become electronic waste which is the fastest-growing pollution problems worldwide. In fact, many discarded electronics with prefabricated micro/nanostructures may provide a good basis to fulfill special needs of other fields, such as tissue engineering, biosensors, and energy. Herein, to take waste optical discs as an example, we demonstrate that discarded electronics can be directly repurposed as highly anisotropic platforms for in vitro investigation of cell behaviors, such as cell adhesion, cell alignment, and cell-cell interactions. The PC12 cells cultured on biocompatible DVD polycarbonate layers with flat and grooved morphology show a distinct cell morphology, indicating the topographical cue of nanogrooves plays a key role in guidance of neurites growth. By further monitoring cell morphology and alignment of PC12 cells cultured on the DVD nanogrooves at different differentiation times, we find that cell contact interaction with nanotopographies is dynamically adjustable with differentiation time from initial disorder to final order. This study adds a new dimension to not only solving the problems of supply of materials and fabrication of nanopatterns in neural tissue engineering, but may also offering a new promising way of waste minimization or reuse for environmental protection.

A Mini Review Focused on the Recent Applications of Graphene Oxide in Stem Cell Growth and Differentiation

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can give rise to any types of cells in our body. Hence, they have been utilized for various applications, such as drug testing and disease modeling. However, for the successful of those applications, the survival and differentiation of stem cells into specialized lineages should be well controlled. Growth factors and chemical agents are the most common signals to promote the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. However, those approaches holds several drawbacks such as the negative side effects, degradation or denaturation, and expensive. To address such limitations, nanomaterials have been recently used as a better approach for controlling stem cells behaviors. Graphene oxide is the derivative of graphene, the first two-dimensional (2D) materials in the world. Recently, due to its extraordinary properties and great biological effects on stem cells, many scientists around the world have utilized graphene oxide to enhance the differentiation potential of stem cells. In this mini review, we highlight the key advances about the effects of graphene oxide on controlling stem cell growth and various types of stem cell differentiation. We also discuss the possible molecular mechanisms of graphene oxide in controlling stem cell growth and differentiation.

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.

Advances on graphene-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications

Graphene-based nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide, have been attracting increasing attention in the field of biology and biomedicine over the past few years. Incorporation of these novel materials with drug, gene, photosensitizer and other cargos to construct novel delivery systems has witnessed rapid advance on the basis of their large surface area, distinct surface properties, excellent biocompatibility and pH sensitivity. Moreover, the inherent photothermal effect of these appealing materials enables them with the ability of killing targeting cells via a physical mechanism. Recently, more attentions have been attached to tissue engineering, including bone, neural, cardiac, cartilage, musculoskeletal, and skin/adipose tissue engineering, due to the outstanding mechanical strength, stiffness, electrical conductivity, various two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) morphologies of graphene-based nanomaterials. Herein, emerging applications of these nanomaterials in bio-imaging, drug/gene delivery, phototherapy, multimodality therapy and tissue engineering were comprehensively reviewed. Inevitably, the burgeon of this kind of novel materials leads to the endeavor to consider their safety so that this issue has been deeply discussed and summarized in our review. We hope that this review offers an overall understanding of these nanomaterials for later in-depth investigations.

Suspended graphene oxide nanosheets maintain the self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells via down-regulating the expression of Vinculin

Graphene oxide (GO), with good hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, is widely explored as a carrier for various factors in the field of stem cell differentiation. However, its function of sustaining the stemness of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and the underlying mechanisms of this process remains undiscovered. Herein, we explored the biofunction of GO on mESCs and revealed the involved signaling pathways and key gene. The alkaline phosphatase activity detection, pluripotency genes quantification and the teratomas formation in vivo confirmed that GO nanosheets could sustain the self-renewal ability of mESCs instead of influencing its pluripotency. The underlying signaling pathways were uncovered by RNA-seq that integrin signaling pathway was involved in the biofunction of GO on mESCs and Vinculin turned to be a key gene for the effect of GO. Further experiments confirmed that the downregulation of Vinculin influenced the fate of mESCs through decreasing the expression of MEK1. Altogether, the study demonstrated for the first time that GOs hold the potential in sustaining the self-renewal of mESCs and clarified the mechanism of this function, which make it play a new role in stem cell research and regenerative medicine.