Graphene oxide impregnated sericin/collagen scaffolds – Fabrication and characterization

Abstract

In this study, we adapted a simple method to prepare scaffolds using sericin (S) extracted from silk cocoons and collagen (C) isolated from fish scales. To improve the bioactivity of sericin/collagen (SC) scaffolds, graphene oxide (G) was impregnated in SC scaffolds to obtain graphene oxide impregnated SC (GSC) scaffolds. UV– visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to study the properties of GSC scaffolds. Hemolytic assay was performed to determine the blood compatibility of GSC scaffolds. Chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay was carried out to unveil the angiogenic property of GSC scaffolds. The results obtained showed the efficacy of GSC scaffolds in inducing the formation of new blood vessels thereby elucidating their use as a novel therapeutic agent in treating ischemic diseases.