Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Gene/Drug delivery
Antibacterial
materials
Tissue
engineering
GO/Graphene
Bioimaging
Biosensing
Figure 12.2 Widespread applications of graphene oxide (GO) and graphene in
biomedical research. Green circles represent carbon atoms.
low stability and solubility in physiological conditions [44]. However, GO
is an exceptional water soluble material with ionizable edges and exhibits
high stability in physiological conditions. For example, GO nanosheets
with ~100 nm size distribution have been proven to be stable in mamma-
lian cells and mice [45]. Therefore, GO is a robust candidate for biosensing
and detection in living systems.
Taken together, it is hoped that graphene and its derivatives provide
new horizons for diverse biomedical applications (Figure 12.2) due to
their remarkable properties as follows. Graphene features a high surface
area (2630 m 2 /g), thermal conductivity (~5000 W/m/K), electrical con-
ductivity measured by charge mobility (200,000 cm 2 V -1 s -1 ), and mechani-
cal strength (Young's modulus ~1100 GPa); and GO has the advantages of
facile production, low price, and ease of chemical or biological function-
alization [33, 38, 46]. Note that economically feasible approaches are now
available for the mass production of graphene and its derivatives [47].
These advantages have led to an increase in the investigation and applica-
tion of these materials.
In this chapter, we will focus on the design strategies and current state
of the art of GO and graphene as a new class of biocompatible scaffolds
for use in cell and TE applications. Major challenges in this area and future
potential routes for the research and development of GO and graphene in
TE are also discussed.
12.2
Design and Fabrication of Biomimetic
GO/Graphene Materials
Researchers have always taken inspiration from nature for the design
of new materials and systems for various biomedical applications.
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