Influence of Graphene on PCL Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications

Abstract

An important approach in tissue engineering is to develop suitable scaffolds with good properties which is meant for implantation. PCL is a widely used FDA approved polymer in the biomedical field. It is biocompatible, biodegradable and also has good mechanical properties. We fabricated PCL scaffolds using the electrospinning technique by optimizing various conditions to get bead free nanofibers. Nanofibers produced by electrospinning technique were characterized using Scanning electron microscope (SEM) to confirm the size, surface morphology etc. Graphene is introduced into PCL scaffolds to increase the conductivity of the scaffolds and also to further improve the mechanical properties of the scaffold. These scaffolds provide a good platform for the cells to interact well and proliferate. Impedance measurements were done for various concentrations of PCL and PCL with graphene. We found that if there is an increase in graphene concentration, there is decrease in impedance measured for the fibers. The future study would be to implant the prepared PCL-Graphene scaffolds into an animal model.