Graphene-enhanced PCL electrospun nanofiber scaffolds for cardiac tissue engineering

authored by: Ana M. Muñoz-Gonzalez, Sara Leal-Marin, Dianney Clavijo-Grimaldo, Birgit Glasmacher
Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases, particularly myocardial infarction, have significant healthcare challenges due to the limited regenerative capacity of injured heart tissue. Cardiac tissue engineering (CTE) offers a promising approach to repairing myocardial damage using biomaterials that mimic the heart’s extracellular matrix. This study investigates the potential of graphene nanopowder (Gnp)-enhanced polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds fabricated via electrospinning to improve the properties necessary for effective cardiac repair. This work aimed to analyze scaffolds with varying graphene concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by weight) to determine their morphological, chemical, mechanical, and biocompatibility characteristics. The results presented that incorporating graphene improves PCL scaffolds’ mechanical properties and cellular interactions. The optimal concentration of 1% graphene significantly enhanced mechanical properties and biocompatibility, promoting cell adhesion and proliferation. These findings suggest that Gnp-enhanced PCL scaffolds at this concentration can serve as a potent substrate for CTE providing insights into designing more effective biomaterials for myocardial restoration.
Organisation(s): Institute of Multiphase Processes
External Organisation(s): Universidad Nacional de Colombia
NIFE - Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development
Grupo INPAC. Fundación Universitaria Sanitas
Type: Article
Journal: International Journal of Artificial Organs
Volume: 47
Pages: 633-641
No. of pages: 9
ISSN: 0391-3988
Publication date: 08.2024
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Bioengineering, Medicine (miscellaneous), Biomaterials, Biomedical Engineering
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1177/03913988241266088 (Access: Open)