Processable conducting graphene/chitosan hydrogels for tissue engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Hydrogels are versatile biomaterials but often lack conductivity and mechanical strength.
• Chitosan-lactic acid offers biocompatibility but requires enhancement for advanced applications.
• Graphene is a promising nanomaterial for improving material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop conductive, processable, and biocompatible hydrogels.
• To investigate the effect of graphene on chitosan-lactic acid composite properties.
• To assess the potential of these composites as scaffolds for electro-responsive cell growth.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of chitosan-lactic acid hydrogel composites with varying graphene content.
• Characterization of mechanical strength, swelling properties, and conductivity.
• Evaluation of processability using additive fabrication techniques.
• Assessment of cell adhesion and growth (fibroblast cells) on composite surfaces.

Main Results:

• Graphene addition significantly improved hydrogel mechanical strength, with 3 wt% graphene increasing tensile strength by over 200%.
• Composites exhibited tunable swelling properties and excellent biocompatibility.
• Three-dimensional scaffolds with controlled dimensions were successfully fabricated using additive manufacturing.
• Fibroblast cells showed good adhesion and proliferation on the chitosan-graphene composite surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-graphene composites form conductive hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties and tunable swelling.
• These materials are processable into 3D scaffolds suitable for tissue engineering.
• The composites show potential as conducting substrates for culturing electro-responsive cells.