Enhancement of Schwann Cells Function Using Graphene-Oxide-Modified Nanofiber Scaffolds for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery remain a significant clinical challenge. Biomaterials that can regulate biological behavior of Schwann cell (SC) and promote neural cell differentiation are beneficial for nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Graphene oxide (GO), as a bioactive nanomaterial, has attracted great attention in biomedical applications. In this study, the possibility of combining the excellent physicochemical properties of GO with nanofiber to develop a bioactive scaffold for nerve regeneration were explored. Briefly, GO was coated on the ApF/PLCL scaffolds. To demonstrate the potentials of this platform, in vitro and in vivo studies toward nerve regeneration were carried out. In vitro, GO-coated scaffolds could enhance SC biological behaviors including migration, proliferation, and myelination. The secretions from SCs cultured on GO-ApF/PLCL scaffolds could induce PC12 cells differentiation. Furthermore, GO-coated nanofibrous scaffolds proved to up-regulate focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression of PC12 cell. In vivo, GO-ApF/PLCL nerve conduits could successfully repair a 10 mm sciatic nerve defect. These findings suggest that GO-based scaffolds efficiently modulate cell functions and promote nerve regeneration, indicating their potential for nerve regeneration applications.