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Updated: Aug 23, 2025
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Synthesis of Graphene-Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites for Potential Use in Bone Tissue Engineering
Published on: July 27, 2022
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Evaluation of Human Osteoblasts on NIPS Micro-Patterned PCL Carriers Containing Nanohydroxyapatite and Reduced
Burcu Tüzün-Antepli1, Şükran Şeker1, Ayşe Eser Elçin1
1Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials and Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Ankara University Faculty of Science, Ankara University Stem Cell Institute, 06100 Ankara, Turkey.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 27, 2022
Summary
This study developed novel poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds with nano hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using phase separation micromolding. These scaffolds enhance osteoblast proliferation, migration, and osteogenic properties for regenerative medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Scaffold properties like surface topology and composition critically influence cell behavior in tissue engineering.
- Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a widely used biomaterial, but its biological activity can be enhanced with additives.
- Controlling cell migration direction is crucial for regenerating complex tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel ternary blend scaffolds using poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), nano hydroxyapatite (nHAp), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO).
- To investigate the effect of micro-groove surface topology on osteoblast behavior.
- To evaluate the potential of these constructs for bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Main Methods:
- Phase separation micromolding (PSµM) was employed to create micro-groove-imprinted PCL/nHAp/rGO ternary blend constructs.
- Comprehensive physical, chemical, and mechanical characterizations were performed (FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, porosity, swelling, wettability, mechanical testing).
- In vitro biological performance was assessed using human osteoblasts, including viability (MTT, alamarBlue), migration, alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium deposition.
Main Results:
- The PCL/nHAp/rGO constructs exhibited desirable physical and mechanical properties.
- Nano hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) significantly enhanced human osteoblast viability and proliferation.
- The micro-groove patterns effectively directed cell migration, promoting anisotropic cell alignment.
Conclusions:
- The PSµM method provides a facile route to generate topologically modified PCL/nHAp/rGO scaffolds.
- These ternary blend scaffolds demonstrate significant potential for enhancing cell proliferation and directed migration.
- The developed constructs are promising for applications in regenerative medicine, particularly for bone tissue repair.
