Graphene: A Versatile Carbon-Based Material for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

The development of materials and strategies that can influence stem cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation towards osteoblasts is of high interest to promote faster healing and reconstructions of large bone defects. Graphene and its derivatives (graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide) have received increasing attention for biomedical applications as they present remarkable properties such as high surface area, high mechanical strength, and ease of functionalization. These biocompatible carbon-based materials can induce and sustain stem cell growth and differentiation into various lineages. Furthermore, graphene has the ability to promote and enhance osteogenic differentiation making it an interesting material for bone regeneration research. This paper will review the important advances in the ability of graphene and its related forms to induce stem cells differentiation into osteogenic lineages.

Two and three-dimensional graphene substrates to magnify osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells

“…The remarkable effects of graphene in osteogenic differentiation of stem cells support its introduction as an alternative material for bone regeneration [3][4][5][6]9,[11][12][13][14][15]. Graphene-based materials can accelerate the differentiation towards osteoblast-like cells [3][4][5][6].…”

In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and osteogenesis of graphene-reinforced nanohydroxyapatite polyamide66 ternary biocomposite as orthopedic implant material

“…Currently, to the best of our knowledge, reports regarding the in vivo application of graphene-reinforced polymer composites for bone tissue engineering are rare. 29,30 We prepared a graphene (G)/nHA/ PA66 bone screw, implanted it into dogs, and studied its in vivo biocompatibility. The results revealed that graphene effectively enhanced the mechanical properties of nHA/ PA66 composites, and demonstrated remarkable bioactivity and biocompatibility.…”

Synthesis, toxicity, biocompatibility, and biomedical applications of graphene and graphene-related materials

“…176 Recently, Dubey et al 196 reviewed the detailed role of graphene in bone tissue engineering. Graphene-based materials enhance stem cell attachment and growth for osteogenic differentiation.…”

“…Graphene-based materials enhance stem cell attachment and growth for osteogenic differentiation. 196,197 Several studies have shown that graphene-coated materials are nontoxic and enhance the attachment and proliferation of fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and MSCs. 191,[198][199][200][201][202] Interestingly, Li et al 203 found that graphene can promote neurite sprouting and outgrowth compared to tissue culture plates made of polystyrene.…”