Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025
Preparation and Characterization of Graphene-Based 3D Biohybrid Hydrogel Bioink for Peripheral Neuroengineering
Published on: May 16, 2022
Integrating Graphene Oxide-Hydrogels and Electrical Stimulation for Controlled Neurotrophic Factor Encapsulation: A
Alexandre Xavier Mendes1,2, Lilith Caballero Aguilar2,3,4, Adriana Teixeira do Nascimento1,2
1ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria 3122, Australia.
Abstract:
Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a crucial role in cellular growth and neurodifferentiation. To achieve significant neuronal regeneration and repair using in vitro NGF delivery, spatiotemporal control that follows the natural neuronal processes must be developed. Notably, a challenge hindering this is the uncontrolled burst release from the growth factor delivery systems. The rapid depletion of NGF reduces treatment efficacy, leading to poor cellular response. To address this, we developed a highly controllable system using graphene oxygen (GO) and GelMA hydrogels modulated by electrical stimulation. Our system showed superior control over the release kinetics, reducing the burst up 30-fold. We demonstrate that the system is also able to sequester and retain NGF up to 10-times more efficiently than GelMA hydrogels alone. Our controlled release system enabled neurodifferentiation, as revealed by gene expression and immunostaining analysis. The increased retention and reduced burst release from our system show a promising pathway for nerve tissue engineering research toward effective regeneration.
