Three Dimensional Graphene Foam/Polymer Hybrid as a High Strength Biocompatible Scaffold

Abstract

Graphene foam (GrF)/polylactic acid–poly‐ε‐caprolactone copolymer (PLC) hybrid (GrF‐PLC) scaffold is synthesized in order to utilize both the desirable properties of graphene and that of foams such as excellent structural characteristics and a networked 3‐D structure for cells to proliferate in. The hybrid scaffold is synthesized by a dip‐coating method that enables retention of the porous 3D structure. The excellent wettability of PLC with graphene foam along with the formation of PLC bridges leads to a ≈3700% enhancement in strength and a ≈3100% increase in ductility in the GrF‐PLC scaffold. Biocompatibility of both graphene foam and GrF‐PLC scaffold is demonstrated by culturing of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) for 28 days, a period over which cell proliferation is robust. The hMSCs are differentiated in chondrogenic media and supported chondrogenesis in both scaffolds. The demand for aggrecan extracellular matrix protein synthesis is reduced in hybrids due to improved bearing of cell‐induced loads, this may be critical for ensuring adequate cellular distribution and layering of extracellular matrix. Hence, the unique mechanical and biotolerant properties of the GrF‐PLC scaffold are suited for musculoskeletal tissue engineering applications, such as the growth of de novo cartilage to replace cartilage lost due to injury or osteoarthritis.