One of the key challenges for neural tissue engineering is to exploit supporting materials with robust functionalities not only to govern cell-specific behaviors, but also to form functional neural network. The unique electrical and mechanical properties of graphene imply it as a promising candidate for neural interfaces, but little is known about the details of neural network formation on graphene as a scaffold material for tissue engineering. Therapeutic regenerative strategies aim to guide and enhance the intrinsic capacity of the neurons to reorganize by promoting plasticity mechanisms in a controllable manner.

Recently, Dr. Cheng Guosheng’s research group at Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech & Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (SINANO), reported the enhancement of neural performances by neural stem cell differentiation on graphene substrates.

In this work, for the first time, they reveal that (1) NSC differentiated neural networks can be structurally and functionally formed on graphene films and (2) the network activity and the efficacy of neural signal on graphene films can be strongly enhanced. The results presented here provide new knowledge about the interactions between neural networks and graphene films, especially in respect to neural excitability and network efficacy. Such knowledge demonstrates the possibility of using graphene to modulate the behavior of neural network in vitro, and would help in designing graphene-based neural interfaces for regenerative medicine.

( Information Source: Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, CAS)