Fabrication of graphene/gelatin/chitosan/tricalcium phosphate 3D printed scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration applications

Abstract

The scaffold structures formed by the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanomaterials can be studied to improve the 3D matrix properties in the applications of bone regeneration. On the other hand, RGO has delayed the incorporation into the mixtures that were determined to generate scaffolds on using 3D printing because of its poor colloidal stability of particles and weak solubility in water. Moreover, to produce RGO, the graphene oxide (GO) was treated with hydrazine hydrate solution, which was well known as a reducing agent that is highly hazardous. To outcome these drawbacks, an unique eco-friendly method was established to gather scaffolds that were 3D printed by the incorporation of RGO. This was obtained using the Gallic acid induced in situ reduction of the GO already existing on the gelatin/chitosan/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds. Moreover, scaffolds also exhibited antibacterial activity without conceding osteoblasts’ cell proliferation and viability. Furthermore, the obtained scaffolds showed good osteoblasts proliferation and viability indicating their possibility for applications in bone fracture healing.