Regenerating bones through Nanoparticles

A recent study by scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru suggests that ‘3D scaffolds’ of graphene composites can be used for bone tissue regeneration as they mimic the environment of the bone.  This will be done by ‘strengthening’ Polycaprolactone (PCL) — a biodegradable polymer — by adding graphene, a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice of carbon atoms.  

Why to add graphene in PCL: Though PCL is biodegradable, it is considered too soft to be used as a bone template. However, graphene has a strength that is more than 200 times that of steel. The addition of graphene dioxide was found to have increased the strength of PCL by 22 per cent and its capacity to resist deformation by 44 per cent — enough to sustain bone growth, while also being biodegradable. Arrangement of cells in 3D scaffolds is similar to what is seen inside bone tissue. The purpose of the scaffold is to provide only a temporary home for the regenerating cells. The scaffold should degrade slowly over time allowing for healthy tissue to eventually replace the scaffold

What is 3D cell culture: A 3D cell culture is an artificially-created environment in which biological cells are permitted to grow or interact with their surroundings in all three dimensions. This is an improvement over the previous method of growing cells in 2D because the 3D model more accurately models the in vivo cells.

In general, there are two types of 3D culture method;

1. Scaffold technique: Scaffold techniques include the use of hydrogels and other materials.
2. Scaffold free technique: Scaffold free techniques employ another approach independent from the use scaffold. For example: the use of low adhesion plate and micropatterned surfaces.

What is graphene and its other application: Graphene is made of a single layer of carbon atoms that are bonded together in a repeating pattern of hexagons. Graphene is one million times thinner than paper; so thin that it is actually considered two dimensional. Graphene’s flat honeycomb pattern grants it many unusual characteristics, including the status of strongest material in the world. These single layers of carbon atoms provide the foundation for other important materials. Graphite — or pencil lead– is formed when you stack graphene. Carbon nanotubes, which are another emerging material, are made of rolled graphene. These are used in bikes, tennis rackets and even living tissue engineering. It can also used in solar cells, transistors, and transparent screens.

By: Vishal