Graphene Oxide/Polymer‐Based Biomaterials

• Published in: Advanced engineering materials Vol. 19; no. 12
• Main Authors: Ege, Duygu, Kamali, Ali Reza, Boccaccini, Aldo R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.2017
• Subjects: bone; cellulose; chitosan; gelatin; graphene oxide
• ISSN: 1438-1656; 1527-2648
• DOI: 10.1002/adem.201700627

Since its discovery in 2004, derivatives of graphene have been developed and heavily investigated in the field of tissue engineering. Among the most extensively studied forms of graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and GO/polymer‐based nanocomposites have attracted great attention in various forms such as films, 3D porous scaffolds, electrospun mats, hydrogels, and nacre‐like structures. In this review, the most actively investigated GO/polymer nanocomposites are presented and discussed, these nanocomposites are based on chitosan, cellulose, starch, alginate, gellan gum, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(acrylamide), poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL), poly(lactic acid) (PLLA), poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA), gelatin, collagen, and silk fibroin (SF). The biological and mechanical performance of such nanocomposites are comprehensively scrutinized and ongoing research questions are addressed. The analysis of the literature reveals overall the great potential of GO/polymer nanocomposites in tissue engineering strategies and indicates also a series of challenges requiring further research efforts. In this review paper, the mechanical and biological performance of graphene oxide/polymeric nanocomposites are analyzed in detail and discussed. Additionally, useful graphics are provided which lead researchers to compare the mechanical properties of films, electrospun mats, fibers, nacre‐like structures, and hydrogels of graphene oxide/polymeric nanocomposites at first glance. Finally, the potential of these nanocomposites in tissue engineering are reported with suggestions for future research.