Application of Graphene in Tissue Engineering of the Nervous System

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Dec 21;23(1):33. doi: 10.3390/ijms23010033.

Abstract

Graphene is the thinnest two-dimensional (2D), only one carbon atom thick, but one of the strongest biomaterials. Due to its unique structure, it has many unique properties used in tissue engineering of the nervous system, such as high strength, flexibility, adequate softness, electrical conductivity, antibacterial effect, and the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Graphene is also characterized by the possibility of modifications that allow for even wider application and adaptation to cell cultures of specific cells and tissues, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, by using the patient's own cells for cell culture, it will be possible to produce tissues and organs that can be re-transplanted without transplant rejection, the negative effects of taking immunosuppressive drugs, and waiting for an appropriate organ donor.

Keywords: cell culture; graphene; graphene-based nanomaterials; nervous system; tissue engineering.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Nervous System / drug effects*
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Graphite