Preparation and Characterization of Polyacrylamide/Silk Fibroin/Graphene Oxide Composite Hydrogel for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Abstract

The hydrogels have been widely used in various tissue engineering fields. Its excellent threedimension network structure and hydrophilicity could be used as cell culture scaffold for tissue regeneration. Graphene oxide (GO) related hydrogels have attracted more and more attention in recent years. However, rare report referring to the application of GO related hydrogel in peripheral nerve regeneration. In this study a composite hydrogel consisting of polyacrylamide, silk fibroin and graphene oxide was prepared. The materials properties were characterized and Schwann cells were cultured onto hydrogels in vitro to evaluate the influence on cell growth. The results showed that the composite hydrogel possessed excellent three-dimensional network structure, the hydrophilicity, wettability and porosity. Moreover, the mechanical strength of the hydrogels could be obviously enhanced. The morphological characterization of Schwann cells cultured on the composite hydrogels showed mononeuritis than single polyacrylamide hydrogel, indicating a better growth environment for cells. The results indicated that the polyacrylamide/silk fibroin/graphene oxide composite hydrogel with suitable content of each component could significantly affect the mechanical properties of the hydrogel and further the morphology of Schwann cells. The study provides a theoretical basis for design and potential application of hydrogels in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.