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Updated: Sep 24, 2025
Synthesis of Graphene-Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites for Potential Use in Bone Tissue Engineering
Published on: July 27, 2022
Modified graphene oxide nanoplates reinforced 3D printed multifunctional scaffold for bone tissue engineering
Akriti Sharma1, Santosh Gupta2, T S Sampathkumar3
1Stem Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India; Medical Materials Laboratory, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, Chennai 600036, Tamil Nadu, India.
This study developed a novel 3D printed scaffold using polydopamine-reduced graphene oxide (PD-RGO) to enhance bone regeneration. The innovative scaffold supports stem cell growth and promotes tissue repair, offering a promising alternative for bone defect treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopaedic Engineering
Background:
- Regenerating load-bearing bone defects is a significant clinical challenge.
- Biologically active, physiologically responsive 3D scaffolds can address current limitations in bone regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize a novel polydopamine-reduced graphene oxide (PD-RGO) reinforced 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) scaffold for bone tissue engineering.
- To evaluate the scaffold's physiochemical properties and its effect on human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) behavior.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D printed PLA scaffolds doped with PD-RGO, synthesized via dopamine reduction of graphene oxide (GO).
- Assessment of scaffold physiochemical properties and in vitro hMSC behavior, including cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.
- In vivo heterotopic implantation of hMSC-loaded scaffolds to evaluate biocompatibility and biofunctionality.
Main Results:
- The PD-RGO doped PLA scaffold demonstrated controlled hMSC growth and proliferation influenced by fiber direction and nanocoating.
- The scaffold exhibited antioxidant, pro-angiogenic, and osteoinductive properties, while also preventing biofilm formation.
- In vivo studies confirmed the scaffold's biocompatibility and bio functionality for bone regeneration.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanoplates-doped 3D printed scaffold exhibits multiple pro-regenerative functionalities, including stem cell responsiveness and integration.
- This novel scaffold presents a potential alternative treatment for bone tissue regeneration.
