Conductive Graphene/Carbon Nanofiber Composite Scaffold for Neural Tissue Engineering

Stanford researchers have proposed the use of a conductive graphene scaffold (CGS) as a biocompatible scaffold for growth of neural tissues. The high conductivity enables the use of electrical stimulation to control the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Neural regeneration using iPSCs offers the advantage of patient-specific derivation of neurons for neural recovery/regeneration. A 3D, cerebral cortex-like CGS exposed to electrical stimulation rapidly generates cortical neurons with more mature neuronal circuits. This provides an exciting platform to further investigate iPSC-derived neurons' integration and regulatory role in neurodegenerative and neurovascular disease.

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Figure description - (a) Different size of CGSs as compared to quarter (b) SEM image of CGS top surface (c) SEM image of CGS cross section area (d)SEM image of CGS cross section area with higher magnification

Stage of Research
The inventors have highlighted combined mechanical and electrical stimulation via a CGS to promote a 3D microniche for rapid, high-purity conversion and maturation of iPSC-derived neurons for regenerative and disease modeling applications. Although animal in vivo models have been developed to investigate the regulatory role of cortical neurons in various disease states including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and addiction, such models do not necessarily represent human pathophysiology. By deriving iPSCs from patients with these disease states in our 3-D CGS system, tissue-like in vitro disease modeling and drug screening by directed differentiation of iPSCs with neuronal identity is possible. Such modeling is of paramount importance in exploring adequate therapeutic agents, as well as for a thorough understanding of cortical pathophysiology.