Graphene substrate for inducing neurite outgrowth

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Graphene's cytocompatibility is suggested but lacks precise control over substrate quality.
• Previous studies on cell behavior on graphene had limitations in controlling graphene layers and surface coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cytocompatibility of well-controlled monolayer graphene films for human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell culture.
• To assess graphene's effect on neurite outgrowth and neurogenesis in neural cells.

Main Methods:

• Large-scale monolayer graphene films grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on copper foils.
• Graphene transfer to glass substrates using a wet transfer technique.
• Assessment of cell morphology, neurite outgrowth, gene expression (NFL), and signaling pathways (FAK, MAPK).

Main Results:

• Graphene substrates significantly enhanced neurite outgrowth (length and number) compared to control glass.
• Graphene stimulated neurogenesis even without the soluble neurogenic factor, retinoic acid (RA).
• Upregulation of key neurogenesis genes like neurofilament light chain (NFL) was observed on graphene.

Conclusions:

• Monolayer graphene serves as a potent platform for enhancing neural cell growth and neurogenesis.
• Graphene's pro-neurogenic effects are mediated through focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling.
• Graphene holds potential for applications in neural regenerative medicine.