2D Ti3C2TxMXene couples electrical stimulation to promote proliferation and neural differentiation of neural stem cells.

Preclinical studies involving stem cells require efficient physiochemical regulations on the fate of such cells. Because of their unique planar structure, metallic conductivity, and flexible surface functionalization, MXenes show potential for modulating stem cell fate. Here, the Ti3C2TxMXenenanosheets are dispersed on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). When primary mouse neural stem cells (NSCs) are cultured on laminin-coated Ti3C2TxMXene film, they form stable adhesion, retain their proliferative ability, and show extensive spreading of terminal extensions. With respect to their functional activity, NSCs cultured on Ti3C2TxMXene films form more active and synchronous network activity than those cultured on TCPS substrates. Moreover, Ti3C2TxMXene film significantly promotes the neural differentiation and the neurons have longer neurites and greater numbers of branch points and branch tips. NSC-derived neurons grown on the Ti3C2Tx MXene film preserved normal synapse development. Finally, electrical stimulation coupled with Ti3C2TxMXene film significantly enhances the proliferation of NSCs. These results indicate that Ti3C2TxMXene is an efficient interface for the proliferation and neural differentiation of NSC and the maturation of NSC-derived neurons, which expands the potential uses of the MXene family of materials and provides new strategies for stem cell studies.