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Published on: September 26, 2020
Reduced graphene oxide coated alginate scaffolds: potential for cardiac patch application
Nafiseh Baheiraei1, Mehdi Razavi2,3, Ramin Ghahremanzadeh4
1Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Division,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 1411713116, Iran. n.baheiraei@modares.ac.ir.
This study developed novel electroactive cardiac patches using reduced graphene oxide-coated alginate scaffolds. These enhanced cardiac patches show promise for improving cell viability, promoting blood vessel growth, and accelerating heart tissue repair after myocardial infarction.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases, especially myocardial infarction (MI), are a leading global cause of death and disability.
- Cardiac tissue engineering offers a promising strategy to mitigate functional damage and enhance cardiac function post-MI.
- Electroactive biomaterials are being explored for their potential to regulate cell behavior and improve tissue regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel electroactive cardiac patch utilizing reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-coated alginate (ALG) scaffolds.
- To investigate the functional properties of these electroactive biomaterials for cardiac repair.
- To assess their capacity for regulating cell proliferation, biocompatibility, and signal transition in cardiac tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of alginate scaffolds coated with varying concentrations of reduced graphene oxide (rGO).
- Comprehensive testing of physicochemical properties, cytocompatibility, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities.
- Evaluation of angiogenic potential through subcutaneous implantation in mice and assessment of vascularization.
Main Results:
- Increased mechanical strength (Young's modulus and tensile strength) with higher rGO concentrations.
- Demonstrated semi-conductive electrical conductivity (approx. 10^-4 S/m).
- Enhanced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) viability, adhesion, and VEGFR2 expression.
- Confirmed antibacterial properties against common pathogens and significant antioxidant activity.
- Histological evidence of improved vascularization post-implantation.
Conclusions:
- Alginate scaffolds coated with reduced graphene oxide (ALG-rGO) exhibit promising electroactive properties.
- These ALG-rGO scaffolds demonstrate enhanced biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and angiogenic potential.
- The developed cardiac patches show significant potential for accelerating the repair of damaged heart tissue.
