Graphene Oxide Facilitates Osteo-Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in 3-Dimensional Porous Vitreous Carbon Foam Scaffolds

Incorporation of nanofillers into carbon foam (CF) is an amenable process to enhance its biological properties, which otherwise is bioinert. In the present study, CF-reinforced graphene oxide (CFGO) was considered to study the effects of GO on the structure, in vitro bioactivity, and biocompatibility using gingival mesenchymal stem cells (gMSCs) as the cellular source. CF was prepared by carbonization of polyurethane (PU) foam, and for the synthesis of GO-incorporated PU foam, GO was dispersed in isocyanate, one of the constituents of PU foam. The bioactivity of the CFGO composite scaffolds with GO content ranging from 0.31 to 0.94 wt % to PU foam was examined using simulated body fluid (SBF). Notwithstanding the GO addition, the CF scaffolds showed apatite growth on the scaffold surface, and the apatite layer increased with an increase in GO content in CF, as ascertained by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and elemental analysis using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The in vitro biocompatibility of the CF scaffolds, examined using the methyl thiazole tetrazolium (MTT) assay, revealed a proportionate increment in gMSC viability with increased GO content in the scaffolds. Additionally, GO promoted the attachment, growth, and infiltration of gMSCs across the CFGO scaffolds, suggesting its involvement in improving bioactivity and biocompatibility properties. Interestingly, the osteocyte differentiation of gMSCs was also enhanced with an increased GO concentration in the scaffolds. Together, our findings suggest that the CFGO composite scaffold can serve as a promising candidate for bone tissue engineering.