Abstract
Aim: To differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into functional dopaminergic neurons using an electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) and graphene (G) nanocomposite. Methods: A one-step approach was used to electrospin the PCL nanocomposite, with varying G concentrations, followed by evaluating their biocompatibility and neuronal differentiation. Results: PCL with exiguous graphene demonstrated an ideal nanotopography with an unprecedented combination of guidance stimuli and substratecues, aiding the enhanced differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into dopaminergic neurons. These newly differentiated neurons were seen to exhibit unique neuronal arborization, enhanced intracellular Ca2+ influxand dopamine secretion. Conclusion: Having cost-effective fabrication and room-temperature storage, the PCL-G nanocomposites could pave the way for enhanced neuronal differentiation, thereby opening a new horizon for an array of applications in neural regenerative medicine.
Highlights
The increasing burden of neurodegenerative diseases concomitantly escalates the morbidity, affecting the patient’s quality of life
The presence of graphene in the fibers was validated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM); protrusions were seen on the outer surface of PCL-G nanocomposites (Fig. S1j,k)
The peak corresponding to 2D band of graphene was observed to shift to around 2740 cm− 1 in PCL-G0.05 and PCL-G0.1 nanocomposite scaffolds confirming the presence of graphene in the scaffolds and strong interactions of graphene with the PCL matrices
Summary
The increasing burden of neurodegenerative diseases concomitantly escalates the morbidity, affecting the patient’s quality of life. Since the adult brain and spinal cord have a limited regenerative capacity, most neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s result in the loss of functional cell population, such as dopaminergic (DA) neurons [1, 2]. Being electro-active cells, neurons yearn for a platform that can respond to the electrical stimuli mimicking an ideal environment providing topographical, electrical, and chemical cues for their better adhesion, morphology, proliferation, and differentiation [11] Since it is the surface conductivity of the scaffolds that majorly influence such cellular responses [12, 13], combining PCL with a material having superior electrical conductivity can tune their properties to regulate better neuronal differentiation, thereby amplifying their excitability. GO has a compromised electronic conductance as compared to naïve graphene, whereas, CNTs are proven to induce toxicity to the cells [25]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
