Guiding Cell Growth: Graphene-Patterned Polymeric Substrates for Enhanced Tissue Proliferation

In tissue engineering, there is a growing need for patient-specific strategies that enable precise control of cellular behaviour - such as adhesion, proliferation, and migration - to enhance tissue integration and reduce transplant rejection. Engineering the physicochemical properties and topography of substrates is a promising way to guide cell responses. Among available materials, graphene nanoplatelets offer outstanding physicochemical, electrical, and mechanical properties, making them ideal for biomedical use. Moreover, printed electronics techniques allow efficient, cost-effective fabrication of continuous coatings or intricate micropatterns on flexible substrates.

Graphene nanoplatelet patterns were fabricated on flexible thermoplastic polyurethane substrates using inkjet and aerosol jet printing to compare the methods and their influence on cell behaviour. Layers were analysed for morphology, topography, and electrical properties (SEM, Raman spectroscopy, profilometry, electrical measurements). Surface wettability and surface free energy were measured via contact angle measurements. L929 fibroblast cells were cultured on printed patterns and assessed by confocal microscopy and MTT assay.

Graphene patterns significantly improved cell proliferation compared to TPU controls. Cells aligned and migrated along printed graphene features, especially on aerosol jet-printed patterns, which promoted attachment and spreading. Quantitative analysis confirmed enhanced cell coverage and proliferation, highlighting the potential of graphene micropatterns for precise cellular control in regenerative medicine.