Preparation of graphene oxide/polyacrylamide composite hydrogel and its effect on Schwann cells attachment and proliferation

Various hydrogel materials have been developed for improving the regeneration of peripheral nerve. Among which the graphene related hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties have attracted great attention. However, the effect of these hydrogels on peripheral nerve regeneration is still unclear. In the present study, the graphene oxide/polyacrylamide (GO/PAM) composite hydrogels were fabricated by in-situ free radical polymerization. The morphology, wettability, composition, swelling ratio, mechanical property and degradation behavior of the prepared GO/PAM composite hydrogels were separately characterized. The effect of GO/PAM hydrogel on the attachment and proliferation of Schwann cells was evaluated. Moreover, the release of biofactors by Schwann cells and adsorption of matrix proteins were further measured. The results showed that the color of the hydrogel became darker with the increased GO concentration, while the surface pore structure also displayed large variation when GO concentration was increased. The hydrophobicity and mechanical properties of hydrogel were increased with the ascending GO concentration. In addition, the variation of GO concentration displayed no obvious influence on the degradation of the composite hydrogel in different medium. The GO/PAM composite hydrogel with 0.4% GO (G0.4) could effectively enhance the attachment and proliferation of Schwann cells. Furthermore, the cells on G0.4 hydrogel displayed higher biofactors release and larger matrix adsorption than other samples. The results demonstrated that GO with suitable concentration in PAM hydrogel could effectively promote Schwann cell growth. The study may provide an important experimental basis for the design and development of new nerve grafts with potential application for peripheral nerve regeneration.