3D Printed Graphene-PLA Scaffolds Promote Cell Alignment and Differentiation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Tissue damage impairs regeneration of nervous, muscle, and connective tissues.
• Tissue engineering seeks biomimetic scaffolds to promote cell behavior and prevent transplant failure.
• Scaffold design is crucial for guiding cell orientation and function in regenerative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop 3D-printed scaffolds using PLA and graphene@PLA with defined micro-topography.
• To investigate the influence of scaffold topography and graphene on cell alignment and differentiation.
• To explore the potential of these scaffolds for diverse tissue engineering applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D-printing to create scaffolds from polylactic acid (PLA) and graphene@PLA composites.
• Incorporated a specific "lines and ridges" micro-topography (100 µm) into the scaffold design.
• Tested scaffold performance with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), neuronal-like cells, fibroblasts, and myoblasts.

Main Results:

• The 100 µm line/ridge topography successfully aligned fibroblasts and myoblasts, and oriented neurites.
• Graphene incorporation was essential for promoting cell differentiation.
• iPSCs committed to neuroectoderm, and myoblasts fused into multinuclear myotubes on graphene-containing scaffolds.

Conclusions:

• Developed economical and reliable 3D-printed scaffolds for tissue engineering.
• Demonstrated that micro-topography and graphene synergistically control cell differentiation and alignment.
• Highlighted the potential of these scaffolds for advancing regenerative medicine strategies.