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.
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