Incorporation of graphene oxide into poly(ɛ-caprolactone) 3D printed fibrous scaffolds improves their antimicrobial properties.

Abstract

Implantable medical devices infection and consequent failure is a severe health issue, which can result from bacterial adhesion, growth, and subsequent biofilm formation at the implantation site. Graphene-based materials, namely graphene oxide (GO), have been described as potential antibacterial agents when immobilized and exposed in polymeric matrices. This work focuses on the development of antibacterial and biocompatible 3D fibrous scaffolds incorporating GO. Poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds were produced, with and without GO, using wet-spinning combined with additive manufacturing. Scaffolds with different GO loadings were evaluated regarding physical-chemical characterization, namely GO surface exposure, antibacterial properties, and ability to promote human cells adhesion. Antimicrobial properties were evaluated through live/dead assays performed with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. 2h and 24h adhesion assays revealed a time-dependent bactericidal effect in the presence of GO, with death rates of adherent S. epidermidis and E. coli reaching ~80% after 24h of contact with scaffolds with the highest GO concentration. Human fibroblasts cultured for up to 14days were able to adhere and spread over the fibers, independently of the presence of GO. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of GO-containing fibrous scaffolds to be used as biomaterials that hinder bacterial infection, while allowing human cells adhesion.