JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Functionalized graphene oxide triggers the neurogenic potential on neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) and human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs)

  • 0University ofL'Aquila, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Via Vetoio, L'Aquila, AQ 67100, Italy.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces +

|

October 4, 2025

|

October 4, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

New hydrogel scaffolds incorporating graphene materials promote neuronal differentiation in stem cells. These advanced materials show promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases and nervous system injuries.

Area Of Science

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Neuroscience
  • Stem Cell Biology

Background

  • Hydrogel scaffolds are crucial for tissue engineering, particularly for neural applications.
  • Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) possess unique properties beneficial for neural regeneration.
  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and gelatin-methacrylate (GelMA) are biocompatible polymers frequently used in hydrogel formulations.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To synthesize and characterize novel hydrogel scaffolds integrating GO/rGO within PEG and GelMA matrices.
  • To evaluate the biocompatibility and neuro-inductive potential of these graphene-based hydrogels using neuronal and stem cell models.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of these materials for neurodegenerative diseases and nervous system injuries.

Main Methods

  • Synthesis of GelMA via methacrylation of gelatin, confirmed by UV-VIS and 1H NMR spectroscopy.
  • Fabrication of GO/rGO-embedded PEG/GelMA hydrogel scaffolds.
  • Characterization using FTIR, XPS, and DSC to confirm graphene integration.
  • In vitro studies using neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs).
  • Assessment of neuronal differentiation via synaptic structure cell counts and key neuronal markers (MAP-2, PSD-95, Synapsin).
  • Evaluation of stemness marker (SOX-2) to confirm phenotype changes.

Main Results

  • Successful synthesis of GelMA with a high degree of substitution (~100%).
  • Confirmation of GO/rGO incorporation and integration within the PEG/GelMA matrices.
  • Enhanced neuronal cell growth and synaptic structure formation on rGO-containing scaffolds compared to GO.
  • Increased expression of neuronal markers (MAP-2, PSD-95, Synapsin) in hAFSCs cultured on graphene scaffolds.
  • Demonstrated loss of stemness (SOX-2) in hAFSCs, indicating a shift towards a neuronal phenotype.

Conclusions

  • Graphene-based hydrogel scaffolds (GO/rGO in PEG/GelMA) are successfully synthesized and characterized.
  • These materials promote neuronal differentiation and enhance neuronal marker expression in stem cells.
  • The developed hydrogels show significant potential as therapeutic materials for neurodegenerative diseases and nervous system injuries.

Keywords: