Self-adhesion conductive cardiac patch based on methoxytriethylene glycol-functionalized graphene effectively improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction

Introduction

Abnormal electrical activity of the heart following myocardial infarction (MI) may lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac death. Graphene-based conductive hydrogels can simulate the microenvironment of myocardial tissue and improve cardiac function post-MI. However, existing methods for preparing graphene and its derivatives suffer from drawbacks such as low purity, complex processes, and unclear structures, which limiting their biological applications.

Objectives

We propose an optimized synthetic route for synthesizing methoxytriethylene glycol-functionalized graphene (TEG-GR) with a defined structure. The aim of this study was to establish a novel self-adhesion conductive cardiac patch based on TEG-GR for protecting cardiac function after MI.

Methods

We optimized π-extension polymerization (APEX) reaction to synthesize TEG-GR. TEG-GR was incorporated into dopamine-modified gelatin (GelDA) to construct conductive cardiac patch (TEG-GR/GelDA). We validated the function of TEG-GR/GelDA cardiac patch in rat models of MI, and explored the mechanism of TEG-GR/GelDA cardiac patch by RNA sequencing and molecular biology experiments.

Results

Methoxytriethylene glycol side chain endows graphene with high electrical conductivity, low immunogenicity, and superior biological properties. In rats, transplantation of TEG-GR/GelDA cardiac patch onto the infarcted area of heart can more effectively enhance ejection fraction, attenuate collagen deposition, shorten QRS interval and increase vessel density at 28 days post-treatment, compared to non-conductive cardiac patch. Transcriptome analysis indicates that TEG-GR/GelDA cardiac patch can improve cardiac function by maintaining gap junction, promoting angiogenesis, and suppressing cardiomyocytes apoptosis.

Conclusion

The precision synthesis of polymer with defined functional group expands the application of graphene in biomedical field, and the novel cardiac patch can be a promising candidate for treating MI.