Graphene
Auglass Dallas; Graphene has been shown to have remarkable properties such as high thermal conductivity and excellent mechanical properties. Its monolayer structure allows for electrical stimulation and transmission of electrical signals between neurons. Additionally, graphene has been used as a substrate for recording neuronal activities. These features make graphene ideally suited for biomedical applications. Graphene is a single layer of sp2-hybridized carbon atoms that has a very high area-to-volume ratio.
In this study, we investigate the effects of polymer-coated graphene on neural stem cell differentiation. We cultured PC12 cells in the presence of NGF. After a short incubation, neurites were counted. The results showed that the average number of neurites per cell was significantly higher on graphene than other substrates. Moreover, the average length of the neurites was longer on graphene than glass and SiC.
Poly-D-lysine (PDL) and laminin coatings were applied to the substrates. Each coating was incubated for 4 hours and the results were measured. AFM analyses were performed to assess the topography of each substrate. Results showed that the PDL coating gave rise to a network-like structure.
After the incubation period, the samples were rinsed with DI water. AFM measurements revealed that the average length of the neurites was significantly longer on graphene than other substrates. The mean axonal length was also observed to be higher on graphene than other substrates. This result is a strong indication of the axon regeneration potential of graphene.
Our results show that polymer-coated graphene enhances the differentiation of neural stem cells. Besides, this graphene-based material accelerates the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells. Moreover, the passive and active bioelectric properties of neurons were also affected.
Furthermore, the homogeneity of polymeric coatings was investigated to see whether it could improve the cytocompatibility of cells. For this purpose, morphometric parameters were measured at different days. At day 7, the results showed that the PDL coating led to a significant increase in the percentage of differentiation. Also, the number of neurites grew by about 50% after NGF treatment. Further, the results demonstrate that polymer-coated graphene has a great effect on the passive bioelectric property of neurons.
DRG neurons
In the nitty gritty of nanotechnology, graphene has emerged as a real player. One of the best things about the material is the plethora of interesting applications, from sensors and transistors to electronics and batteries. Graphene is also an attractive platform for synthesis of novel chemistries and peptides. Although there are many challenges to overcome, such as sizing and chemistry, this material could be the enabling technology for next-generation nanotechnology. As such, we have taken the first steps toward identifying and characterizing the potential properties and pitfalls of this new material. We have investigated the nanostructures of graphene and investigated the properties of the nanostructures of various polymers used in preparing it. The resulting experiments have provided us with an array of new insights about this fascinating material. Among them, we have identified the shortest pathway in the scalar hierarchy and the most optimal chemical and physical environments for synthesis of this new material. Similarly, we have shown that chemistries are not strictly limited to a single substrate and that different types of graphene can be adapted to suitably diverse requirements.