Biocompatibility of reduced graphene oxide nanoscaffolds following acute spinal cord injury in rats

Surg Neurol Int, 2016 · DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.188905 · Published: August 23, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Graphene, a nanomaterial, shows promise as a bioscaffold for nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury due to its unique properties. This study evaluates how well graphene nanoscaffolds work within a living system, specifically in rats with spinal cord injuries. Researchers implanted graphene nanoscaffolds into rats with spinal cord injuries and observed the tissue's response over three months. The study aimed to see if the graphene was biocompatible, meaning it wouldn't harm the tissue, and if it would encourage tissue growth. The study found that the graphene nanoscaffolds were well-received by the spinal cord tissue. The researchers observed ingrowth of connective tissue elements, blood vessels, neurofilaments, and Schwann cells around the graphene nanoscaffolds.

Study Duration

3 months

Participants

20 Wistar rats (19 male and 1 female)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Graphene nanoscaffolds adhered well to spinal cord tissue, showing good integration at the lesion site.
2
Histological evaluation showed an ingrowth of connective tissue elements, blood vessels, neurofilaments, and Schwann cells around the graphene nanoscaffolds.
3
There was no area of pseudocyst around the scaffolds suggestive of cytotoxicity.

Research Summary

This study investigates the biocompatibility of graphene nanoscaffolds in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Graphene's unique properties make it a potential bioscaffold for neuronal regeneration. The researchers implanted graphene nanoscaffolds into rats with hemispinal cord transections and assessed tissue response after three months. Control animals received hydrogel alone. The study concludes that graphene is biocompatible with neurons and may serve as a scaffold for regenerating axons after spinal cord injury. It supports the ingrowth of various tissue elements without causing cytotoxicity.

Practical Implications

Biomedical Applications

Graphene's biocompatibility suggests its potential in various biomedical applications, particularly in neuronal interface studies and nanoscaffolds for spinal cord injury treatment.

Axonal Regeneration

The study indicates that graphene nanoscaffolds may provide a conducive environment for axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury, potentially leading to functional recovery.

Further Research

The findings support further investigation into graphene's ability to carry neuroregenerative biomolecules, its electrical conductivity, and neurocompatibility for treating spinal cord injuries.

Study Limitations

1
Our study was qualitative in nature rather than quantitative.
2
Furthermore, our methodology did not include Luxol fast blue staining to evaluate the preserved gray and white matter and the perilesional cavity regions or GAP43 to show axonal elongation.
3
Another weakness of our analysis is that we did not assess functional outcomes in our control and experimental animals.

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