Abstract
Due to its versatility, small size, large surface area, and ability to interact with biological cells and tissues, graphene oxide (GO) is an excellent filler for various polymeric composites and is frequently used to expand their functionality. Even though the major advantage of the incorporation of GO is the enhancement of mechanical properties of the composite material, GO is also known to improve bioactivity during biomineralization and promote osteoblast adhesion. In this study, we described the fabrication of a composite bone cement made of GO and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and we investigated its potential to enhance osteogenic differentiation of human primary mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells. Through the analysis of three differentiation markers, namely alkaline phosphatase, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine, and bone morphogenetic protein-2 in the presence and in the absence of an osteogenic differentiation medium, we were able to indicate a composite produced manually with a thick GO paper as the most effective among all investigated samples. This effect was related to its developed surface, possessing a significant number of voids and pores. In this way, GO/PMMA composites were shown as promising materials for the applications in bone tissue engineering.
Highlights
Since its discovery in 2004 [1], graphene has drawn immense attention of the scientific community and has become an object of intensive research
Small size, large surface area, and ability to interact with biological cells and tissues, graphene oxide (GO) is an excellent filler for various polymers and is frequently used to expand their functionality
We have shown that incorporation of GO into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix may provide an additional functionality to the resulting composite material, enhancing its biocompatibility through facilitating osteogenesis
Summary
Since its discovery in 2004 [1], graphene has drawn immense attention of the scientific community and has become an object of intensive research. Small size, large surface area, and ability to interact with biological cells and tissues, GO is an excellent filler for various polymers and is frequently used to expand their functionality. Calcium phosphate mineralized graphene oxide/chitosan scaffolds were found to express biomimicry, providing a suitable environment for cell adhesion and growth, and maintaining high mechanical strength [12]. A promising way to improve the biological performance of PMMA is to blend it with an antibiotic, e.g., gentamycin [21] This modification approach is nowadays a well established strategy that allows prevention of periprosthetic infections and osteomyelitis. Another way to enhance the performance of PMMA is to incorporate in its structure a filler with a particular functionality. Microscopic analysis of the surface of materials allowed investigation of the biological behavior of the materials with respect surface morphology
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