N-containing functional groups induced superior cytocompatible and hemocompatible graphene by NH₂ ion implantation

Graphene is functionalized with amine by NH2 ion implantation at room temperature in vacuum. The reaction is featured by nucleophilic substitution of C-O groups by the ammonia radicals. The presence of N-containing functional groups in graphene is identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. N element was successfully introduced to graphene, the atomic ratio of N to C rose to 3.12 %. NH2 ion implanted graphene (G-NH2) is a better hydrophilic material than pristine grahene according to the contact angle experiment. Mouse fibroblast cells and human endothelial cells cultured on G-NH2 displayed superior cell-viability, proliferation and stretching over that on pristine graphene. Platelet adhesion, hemolysis and Kinetic-clotting time were measured on G-NH2, showing excellent anticoagulation, with as good hemolysis as pristine graphene.