Light-Responsive and Antibacterial Graphenic Materials as a Holistic Approach to Tissue Engineering.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Advanced bioprinting technologies are crucial for tissue regeneration.
• Hydrogel-based constructs require external stimuli to enhance regenerative potential for wound dressings.
• Fibroblasts are key cells in wound healing, involved in matrix production and remodeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the synergistic effects of photothermal activity and nanomaterial-mediated cell proliferation.
• To develop a skin-inspired dressing for wound healing and regenerative medicine using graphene-based materials (GBM).
• To investigate the potential of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in photoactive bioinks.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of three graphene-based materials: graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and graphene platelets (GP).
• Evaluation of photothermal capabilities and antibacterial properties of GBM.
• Bioprinting of alginate-based bioinks with human fibroblasts and rGO, assessing cell viability and scaffold printability.

Main Results:

• Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) demonstrated superior photothermal efficiency and antibacterial activity at low concentrations (0.05 mg/mL) without harming human fibroblast viability.
• Bioprinted scaffolds with rGO maintained fibroblast survival for 3 days post-printing and did not compromise hydrogel printability.
• The rGO-enhanced hydrogels provided photothermal antimicrobial therapy while supporting fibroblast growth.

Conclusions:

• rGO-enhanced hydrogels show significant potential for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
• These findings support the development of 4D bioprinting strategies for smart, functional tissue constructs.
• The developed dressings offer promising therapeutic capabilities for drug delivery and bactericidal applications.