We demonstrate that graphene oxides (GOs), which are the two-dimensionally charged nanosheets, can potentially serve as therapeutic protein delivery platforms for tissue regeneration. The GO coating on Ti substrates was realized based on the multilayer fabrication called the layer-by-layer assembly, followed by the introduction of therapeutic proteins (bone morphogenetic protein, BMP-2) to the GO-coated Ti substrates (Ti/GO). Particularly, GOs contains the hydrophobic p-conjugated domains in the core GO region and the ionized groups around the GO edges, leading to the significant enhancement of protein adsorption through specific non-covalent interactions. The sustained release of BMP-2 from the Ti/GO substrates was observed over 2 weeks, yet completely maintaining its structural stability and bioactivity. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human bone marrow were cultured on the Ti/GO with BMP-2 adsorbed and showed improved in vitro osteogenic differentiation. Eight weeks after the implantation to mouse calvarial defect models, the Ti/GO/BMP-2 implant device distinctively showed new bone formation when compared with other control groups. GOs are thus demonstrated to be effective platforms for dental implants and/or the controlled protein delivery.

Therapeutic protein delivery using graphene oxides for tissue regeneration

245th National Meeting (2013)

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