Electrical Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Schwann‐Cell‐Like Phenotypes Using Inkjet‐Printed Graphene Circuits

Abstract

Graphene‐based materials (GBMs) have displayed tremendous promise for use as neurointerfacial substrates as they enable favorable adhesion, growth, proliferation, spreading, and migration of immobilized cells. This study reports the first case of the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into Schwann cell (SC)‐like phenotypes through the application of electrical stimuli from a graphene‐based electrode. Electrical differentiation of MSCs into SC‐like phenotypes is carried out on a flexible, inkjet‐printed graphene interdigitated electrode (IDE) circuit that is made highly conductive (sheet resistance −1 of nerve growth factor (NGF) secretion vs. 75% and ≈55 ng mL−1 for chemically treated MSCs (ctMSCs)]. These results help pave the way for in vivo peripheral nerve regeneration where the flexible graphene electrodes could conform to the injury site and provide intimate electrical simulation for nerve cell regrowth.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Feb 20, 2017
Source ID
10.1002/adhm.201601087

Entities

People

  • Allison A. Cargill
  • Donald Sakaguchi
  • John A. Hondred
  • Jonathan Claussen
  • Matthew T. Lentner
  • Metin Uz
  • Shaowei Ding
  • Suprem R. Das
  • Surya Mallapragada

Organizations

  • Ames National Laboratory
  • Iowa State University
  • Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust
  • United States Army Medical Research and Development Command

Tags

Readers

  • Immunology and Pathology
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Neuroscience

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene