title: Enhancement of electrical signaling in neural networks on graphene films.
abstract: 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. Here, we investigated the impact of graphene on the formation and performance in the assembly of neural networks in neural stem cell (NSC) culture. Using calcium imaging and electrophysiological recordings, we demonstrate the capabilities of graphene to support the growth of functional neural circuits, and improve neural performance and electrical signaling in the network. These results offer a better understanding of interactions between graphene and NSCs, also they clearly present the great potentials of graphene as neural interface in tissue engineering.
authors.affiliation: Suzhou Key Laboratory of Nanobiomedicine & Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu 215123, PR China.
authors.forename: Mingliang
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Qin
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Ning
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Ziyun
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Rong
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Guosheng
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cheng
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000378:metabolism*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006108:Graphite / Q000378:metabolism*; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D058953:Neural Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D006108:Graphite; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium