• Dogan, Asli Aybike

Abstract

Recently, many neural tissue engineering strategies have been focused on enhancing intercellular signaling, the mechanical and electrically conductive link, called electrical synapse which provides a connection between two neighboring neurons through which "information" flows from one neuron to another. Graphene is an allotrope of carbon, flat monolayer, and arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal structure, with unique electrical, thermal, optical, and mechanical properties [1]. Graphene (Gr) possesses some properties, such as high electrical conductivity and good molecule absorption that allow the potential application of local electric fields or ionic currents to cell cultures, which reveal graphene as a good candidate for neural cell stimulation [2]. Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF) exhibits diverse structures, suitable mechanical properties, and biocompatibility, and regenerated SF scaffolds’ chemical composition, physical structure, and biologically functional moieties are all important for surface biocompatibility and tissue growth [3]. Hybrid scaffolds containing SF and Gr are promising candidates for more conductive and mechanically strong biomaterials for neural tissue engineering as both are biocompatible. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of composites of SF and Gr on neurite outgrowth, synaptic transmission, and neuronal connectivity on SH-SY5Y neurons.[1] Scapin, G. (2015), University of Padova (PhD Thesis)[2] Monaco, A. M. andGiugliano, M. (2014), Beilstein J. Nanotechnology, 5, 1849–1863.[3] Zhang, Q. et. al. (2009), Materials, 2, 2276-2295. [4] Strehl, R. et. al. (2002), Tissue Engineering, Volume 8, Number 1,[5] Aznar-Cervantes, S. et. al. (2016), Bioelectrochemistry, 108, 36–45.

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• surface
• Carbon
• composite
• chemical composition
• two-dimensional
• biomaterials
• electrical conductivity
• biocompatibility