E8 - Polycaprolactone/Graphene Nanocomposite Scaffolds as Tools for Delivering Electrical Cues to Neural Cells

Introduction: : Low-voltage electrical stimulation (ES) has emerged as a valuable tool for modulating
cellular behaviors such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration, making it highly
relevant to the study of regenerative medicine. This study explores the development of
conductive polycaprolactone (PCL)/graphene nanocomposite scaffolds as a platform for
delivering electrical cues to neural cells. Graphene, a highly conductive carbon-based
nanomaterial, has been proven as an excellent biocompatible conductive filler due to its
unique electrical properties. When dispersed within a polymer matrix, graphene can form
percolating conductive networks that enable efficient charge transfer across the scaffold,
allowing uniform electrical stimulation of adhered cells.

Materials and

Methods: : PCL/graphene nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated with electrospinning techniques and
treated to improve hydrophilicity. Subsequently, their electrical conductivity and physical
properties were characterized. A custom apparatus was designed and calibrated to deliver
and measure pulsating low-voltage stimulation across the conductive fibrous network.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess fiber morphology and graphene
dispersion. Finally, neuroblastoma cells were seeded onto the scaffolds and fluorescently
stained to assess cell adhesion and viability via epifluorescent microscopy.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions:: SEM imaging showed a high density of fibers with submicron diameters and confirmed
effective graphene particle distribution within the material. Water contact angle was
measured at 134° and 79° for untreated and treated scaffolds, respectively. The impedance
of the material was analyzed at different frequencies of stimulation using impedance
spectroscopy. Additionally, epifluorescent microscopy showed successful neural cell
adhesion and process extension, indicating scaffold biocompatibility. These results
suggest that PCL/graphene scaffolds are promising tools for neural tissue engineering,
offering a conductive platform capable of delivering controlled electrical stimulation to
support neural activation.

Acknowledgements and/or References (Optional)::