Three-dimensional graphene foam as a biocompatible and conductive scaffold for neural stem cells

Sci Rep. 2013:3:1604. doi: 10.1038/srep01604.

Abstract

Neural stem cell (NSC) based therapy provides a promising approach for neural regeneration. For the success of NSC clinical application, a scaffold is required to provide three-dimensional (3D) cell growth microenvironments and appropriate synergistic cell guidance cues. Here, we report the first utilization of graphene foam, a 3D porous structure, as a novel scaffold for NSCs in vitro. It was found that three-dimensional graphene foams (3D-GFs) can not only support NSC growth, but also keep cell at an active proliferation state with upregulation of Ki67 expression than that of two-dimensional graphene films. Meanwhile, phenotypic analysis indicated that 3D-GFs can enhance the NSC differentiation towards astrocytes and especially neurons. Furthermore, a good electrical coupling of 3D-GFs with differentiated NSCs for efficient electrical stimulation was observed. Our findings implicate 3D-GFs could offer a powerful platform for NSC research, neural tissue engineering and neural prostheses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Gases / chemistry
  • Graphite / chemical synthesis*
  • Materials Testing
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Neural Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Neural Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Tissue Scaffolds*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Gases
  • Graphite