Enhanced growth and differentiation of neural stem cells on alginate/ collagen/reduced graphene oxide composite hydrogel incorporated with lithium chloride

This study focuses on creating a hydrogel that can help neural stem cells (NSCs) grow and turn into nerve cells. The hydrogel is made from alginate, collagen, and reduced graphene oxide, and it includes lithium chloride. The hydrogel provides a good environment for NSCs to survive and develop. The graphene helps conduct electrical signals, and the lithium chloride protects the cells and helps them differentiate. This hydrogel could be used to help treat spinal cord injuries by delivering cells and promoting nerve regeneration.

• 1
  The combination of collagen fibers and rGO with alginates increased cell viability and the gene expression of collagen-binding receptor subunits such as integrin α1, and β1.
• 2
  The continuous culture of NSCs on AL/ CO/rGO Li+ hydrogel increased neurogenic genes’ expressions of nestin (5.9 fold), NF200 (36.8 fold), and synaptophysin (13.2 fold), as well as protein expression of NF200 and synaptophysin after about 14 days.
• 3
  The average length of neurites in the AL/CO/rGO Li + group, about 103.3 ± 15.37, was longer than in the AL/CO/rGO group, about 67.72 ± 9.11.