Abstract
In this paper, we describe three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical graphene–hydroxyapatite hybrid bioscaffolds (GHBs) with a calcium phosphate salt electrochemically deposited onto the framework of graphene foam (GF). The morphology of the hydroxyapatite (HA) coverage over GF was controlled by the deposition conditions, including temperature and voltage. The HA obtained at the higher temperature demonstrates the more uniformly distributed crystal grain with the smaller size. The as-prepared GHBs show a high elasticity with recoverable compressive strain up to 80%, and significantly enhanced strength with Young’s modulus up to 0.933 MPa compared with that of pure GF template (~7.5 kPa). Moreover, co-culture with MC3T3-E1 cells reveals that the GHBs can more effectively promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts with good biocompatibility than pure GF and the control group. The superior performance of GHBs suggests their promising applications as multifunctional materials for the repair and regeneration of bone defects.
Highlights
Bone transplantation, especially autologous bone graft, is considered as a ‘gold standard’for the repairing of bone defect, but there are still some challenges limiting its clinical applications, such as limited bone mass, obvious pain in bone sites, infection, and even immune rejection [1].The state-of-the-art three-dimensional (3D) macroporous scaffolds with similar structures of natural bone have been widely used as repairing materials for bone defects
The graphene foam (GF) was first fabricated via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on a nickel foam (NF) substrate
Inset is the snapshots during compression. (b) The validation of mechanical robustness of surface of 3D GF by electrochemical deposition
Summary
The state-of-the-art three-dimensional (3D) macroporous scaffolds with similar structures of natural bone (e.g., polylactic acid [2], bioactive glass [3], and polycaprolactone [4]) have been widely used as repairing materials for bone defects. Crystal material with one atomic thickness, has been reported regarding its unprecedented properties on mechanical strength (Young’s modulus ~1.0 TPa), electrical conductivity (1.0 × 108 S cm−1 ), specific surface area (2630 m2 /g), biochemical modification, and biocompatibility. Crystals 2018, 8, 105 hierarchical pore structures (100–300 μm), robust structure, and good cell conduction/induction properties [5,6]. Cheng et al reported a 3D graphene for the regeneration application of neural stem cells, providing a promising option for neural tissue engineering and neural prostheses [7].
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