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Nitrogen-functionalized graphene quantum dot incorporated GelMA microgels as fluorescent 3D-tissue Constructs.
Aida Zahra Taravatfard1,2, Carlos Ceballos-Gonzalez1, Abu Bakar Siddique1
1School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, 64849, Mexico. mallar.ray@tec.mx.
Nanoscale
|August 31, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed nitrogen-functionalized graphene quantum dot (NGQD)-loaded gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel microspheres for long-term biomedical monitoring. These NGQD-GelMA microspheres maintain cell viability and enhance metabolic activity, offering improved bio-functionality for tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Biopolymer microgels are promising for biomedicine and tissue engineering.
- Long-term *in vivo* monitoring of microgels requires fluorescent materials.
- Conventional fluorescent agents face limitations in biocompatibility, stability, and bio-functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a microfluidic approach for creating nitrogen-functionalized graphene quantum dot (NGQD)-loaded gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel microspheres.
- To enable long-term, non-invasive monitoring of 3D cell encapsulation within hydrogels.
- To assess the impact of NGQDs on cell viability, metabolic activity, and bio-functionality.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of monodisperse NGQD-loaded GelMA hydrogel microspheres using a multilayer droplet-based microfluidic device.
- Encapsulation of skeletal muscle cells (C2C12) within the NGQD-GelMA microspheres.
- Assessment of cell viability, metabolic activity, and sarcomeric α-actin expression over 10 days.
- Monitoring of fluorescence signal from NGQD-loaded microgels.
Main Results:
- High cell viability (82.9% to 92.1%) was maintained from day 1 to day 10.
- NGQD-loaded GelMA microgels showed enhanced metabolic activity compared to controls.
- Consistent fluorescence signal was observed from NGQD-loaded microgels throughout the study period.
- Sarcomeric α-actin expression confirmed cell differentiation and functionality.
Conclusions:
- The microfluidic-based approach successfully generated NGQD-loaded GelMA hydrogel microspheres.
- Integration of NGQDs allows for non-invasive, long-term monitoring without compromising cell viability or bio-functionality.
- These NGQD-GelMA microspheres offer significant potential for advanced therapeutic applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
