Graphene-Nanofiber Hybrid Scaffold for Stem Cell Differentiation

Schematic diagram of the graphene-nanofiber hybrid scaffold, from fabrication to cell differentiation. Invention Summary: Stem cell regenerative medicine has been a promising approach to tissue restoration and cell based therapies. However, there are challenges in transplantation survival and mimicking the complexity of the cellular microenvironment. This challenge is especially present in central nervous system regenerative medicine where there is poor selectivity in the differentiation of oligodendrocytes. Researchers at Rutgers University developed a graphene-polymer hybrid scaffold designed to selectively differentiate stem cells into oligodendrocytes by providing physical cues, thus eliminating the need for exogenous differentiation inducers. Graphene oxide promotes differentiation of stem cells, and the biodegradable, biocompatible nanofiber polymer coating structurally mimics the extracellular matrix. Additionally, the platform can be tuned via polymer density to change the expression of neural markers and produce mature cells. Market Applications: Stem cell differentiation Regenerative medicine Central nervous system disease therapies Research tools Advantages: Increased differentiation of oligodendrocytes Enhanced structural mimic of ECM Eliminates the use of soluble factors Combination with other scaffold techniques Biocompatible Intellectual Property & Development Status: Patent pending. International application published. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. Select Publication: Shah, S. et al. Guiding Stem Cell Differentiation into Oligodendrocytes Using Graphene-Nanofiber Hybrid Scaffolds. Advanced Materials 26 , 3673-3680, doi:10.1002/adma.201400523 (2014).