Graphene-Enhanced Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering

Graphene and its oxidised derivatives have emerged as transformative nanofillers for polymeric scaffolds in tissue engineering. By integrating graphene oxide (GO) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets within biodegradable matrices such as polycaprolactone, polylactic acid and their copolymers, researchers have achieved marked improvements in mechanical stiffness, electrical conductivity and surface bioactivity. These hybrid constructs facilitate cell adhesion, proliferation and lineage-specific differentiation by providing electrical cues, enhanced nutrient transport and nanoscale topographical features. Fabrication techniques range from electrospinning and porogen leaching to extrusion-based 3D printing and phase inversion, enabling precise control over pore geometry, interconnectivity and gradient architectures. Such versatility underpins applications spanning bone regeneration, neural repair and cardiovascular grafts. Current work emphasises scalable manufacturing, tunable degradation kinetics and multifunctional performance, offering pathways to clinically translatable implants that combine structural support, electrical stimulation and controlled release of bioactive factors.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated that inclusion of rGO at low weight fractions within polycaprolactone matrices substantially enhances compressive strength and stiffness while maintaining cytocompatibility. A two-step fabrication approach ensured homogeneous dispersion of rGO in 3D printed scaffolds, achieving up to 185 % improvement in compressive strength and supporting human adipose-derived stem cell growth. Key findings highlight the synergistic effect of rGO on mechanical reinforcement without compromising pore fidelity, offering a robust platform for load-bearing tissue regeneration.

Research from all publishers

Advances in 3D printing of biomimetic scaffolds have yielded polycaprolactone–graphene oxide composites that replicate the radial gradient of cortical and cancellous bone. Haversian-channel architectures produced by extrusion printing exhibit improved wettability, accelerated biodegradation and enhanced osteoblast viability, underscoring the potential for personalised bone grafts. In electrospun nanofibrous mats, incorporation of graphene and GO at 0.5–1.5 % raised tensile strength by up to 35 % and increased thermal stability, facilitating temperature-controlled cell culture and sterilisation. Multifunctional scaffolds enriched with GO also demonstrate time-dependent antibacterial and anti-adhesive properties against common pathogens, while gradually transitioning to a hydrophilic state that promotes eukaryotic cell colonisation. Together, these diverse approaches illustrate the global trend towards scalable, multifunctional graphene-based biomaterials for a range of regenerative therapies.

Graphene-Enhanced Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in graphene-enhanced biomaterials for tissue engineering across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Graphene oxide (GO): A derivative of graphene bearing oxygen-containing groups that improve dispersion in polymers and promote biomolecular interactions.

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO): Partially deoxygenated GO with restored electrical conductivity and enhanced mechanical reinforcement.

Scaffold: A three-dimensional porous structure designed to support cell attachment, tissue ingrowth and nutrient exchange.

Polycaprolactone (PCL): A biodegradable aliphatic polyester frequently used as a structural matrix in tissue engineering.

Osteo-bioactivity: The capacity of a biomaterial to induce bone-forming cell function and facilitate hydroxyapatite deposition.

References

1. Fabrication and characterization of mechanically competent 3D printed polycaprolactone-reduced graphene oxide scaffolds. Scientific Reports (2020).
2. Biomimetic Polycaprolactone‐Graphene Oxide Composites for 3D Printing Bone Scaffolds. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering (2023).
3. Enhancing thermal and mechanical properties of polycaprolactone nanofibers with graphene and graphene oxide reinforcement for biomedical applications. Matéria (Rio de Janeiro) (2024).
4. Multifunctional scaffolds for biomedical applications: Crafting versatile solutions with polycaprolactone enriched by graphene oxide. APL Bioengineering (2024).