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Cytocompatible and biodegradable poly(d,l-lactide-coglycolide)/reduced graphene oxide scaffolds
Esperanza Díaz1,2, Marta Delafuente1, Sara Delafuente1
1Escuela de Ingeniería de Bilbao, Departamento de Ingeniería Minera, Metalúrgica y Ciencia de Materiales, Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Portugalete, Spain.
Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition
|July 6, 2023
Summary
This study investigates poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide)/reduced graphene oxide (PLGA/rGO) scaffolds for regenerative medicine. Results show rGO enhances pore size and conductivity, with no cytotoxicity, making these scaffolds promising for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Graphene's unique properties are driving innovation in regenerative medicine.
- Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is a common biomaterial, but its properties can be enhanced.
- Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) offers potential for improving scaffold characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the degradation behavior and cytotoxicity of PLGA/rGO scaffolds.
- To analyze the effect of rGO on scaffold morphology, pore size, and electrical conductivity.
- To determine the suitability of these composite scaffolds for biomedical applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PLGA/rGO scaffolds using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and lyophilization.
- Degradation studies in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C for eight weeks.
- Cytotoxicity assessment using L929 fibroblast cell metabolic activity.
- Characterization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and electrical conductivity measurements.
Main Results:
- rGO addition increased scaffold pore size (60-100 µm) and improved morphological definition.
- Scaffolds with 0.6% and 1% rGO exhibited faster degradation rates.
- rGO incorporation restricted polymer chain movement, indicated by DSC, and significantly enhanced electrical conductivity, reaching a percolation threshold of ≈ 0.5 w/w.
- All tested PLGA/rGO compositions (up to 1% rGO) showed no cytotoxic effects on L929 fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- PLGA/rGO composite scaffolds demonstrate tunable degradation and enhanced structural properties.
- The incorporation of rGO significantly improves scaffold conductivity, a crucial factor for certain regenerative medicine applications.
- These PLGA/rGO scaffolds are non-cytotoxic and suitable for further investigation in regenerative medicine.
