Electroactive graphene oxide-incorporated collagen assisting vascularization for cardiac tissue engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Cardiac patches protect heart function post-myocardial infarction.
• Electroactive materials can improve electrical signal propagation in cardiac cells.
• Collagen-graphene oxide (Col-GO) composites offer potential for cardiac tissue engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize an electroactive Col-GO composite as a cardiac patch.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity of the Col-GO patch.
• To assess the potential of the Col-GO patch in promoting cardiomyocyte adhesion and cardiac gene expression.

Main Methods:

• Col-GO scaffolds were fabricated using freeze-drying and covalently coated with graphene oxide (GO).
• Scaffolds were reduced to restore GO conductivity; properties like pore size, tensile strength, and electrical conductivity were measured.
• Cytotoxicity assays using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and assessment of cardiomyocyte adhesion and gene expression were performed.

Main Results:

• Col-GO scaffolds exhibited suitable pore sizes (120-138 ± 8 μm) and enhanced tensile strength with increasing GO concentration.
• The scaffolds demonstrated semi-conductive electrical properties (~10^-4 S/m) and were non-toxic to HUVECs.
• Reduced Col-GO scaffolds promoted neonatal cardiomyocyte adhesion and upregulated cardiac-specific genes (Cx43, Actin4, Trpt-2), indicating angiogenic potential.

Conclusions:

• The developed Col-GO cardiac patch is biocompatible, mechanically robust, and electrically conductive.
• Reduced Col-GO materials show promise for cardiovascular applications by supporting cardiomyocyte function and promoting angiogenesis.
• This electroactive cardiac patch represents a viable strategy for cardiac tissue engineering and post-infarction repair.