Amine-PEG functionalized graphene oxide enhances the mechanical performance and biocompatibility of bovine...

Valvular heart disease remains a global health challenge, with increasing demand for aortic valve replacement procedures worldwide. Tissue engineering has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome limitations of conventional bioprosthetic valves, particularly long-term degeneration and limited durability. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) functionalized with amine-polyethylene glycol (GO-PEG-NH₂) was incorporated into bovine pericardium by adsorption and chemical reaction to improve mechanical performance for cardiovascular applications. Structural, chemical, and morphological characterizations supported successful GO synthesis and functionalization with PEG-NH₂. Atomic force microscopy demonstrated surface modifications and reduced roughness, particularly through chemical reaction. Mechanical assays revealed improvements in stiffness, 0.2% offset yield strength, tensile strength, and maximum load, with chemically incorporated membranes showing superior performance. GO reduced cell viability at concentrations ≥50 μg/mL, whereas GO-PEG-NH₂ did not significantly reduce CHO cell viability at 10-200 μg/mL. Isolated atrial reactivity showed a more favorable biological response to GO-PEG-NH₂ than to unmodified GO under the evaluated conditions.