Graphene for Biomedical Implants

ORAL

Abstract

In this study, we used graphene, a one-atom thick sheet of carbon atoms, to modify the surfaces of existing implant materials to enhance both bio- and hemo-compatibility. This novel effort meets all functional criteria for a biomedical implant coating as it is chemically inert, atomically smooth and highly durable, with the potential for greatly enhancing the effectiveness of such implants. Specifically, graphene coatings on nitinol, a widely used implant and stent material, showed that graphene coated nitinol (Gr-NiTi) supports excellent smooth muscle and endothelial cell growth leading to better cell proliferation. We further determined that the serum albumin adsorption on Gr-NiTi is greater than that of fibrinogen, an important and well understood criterion for promoting a lower thrombosis rate. These hemo-and biocompatible properties and associated charge transfer mechanisms, along with high strength, chemical inertness and durability give graphene an edge over most antithrombogenic coatings for biomedical implants and devices.

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Authors

  • Thomas Moore

    • Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634

  • R.S. Sai Siddhardha

    • Department of Physics, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson SC, USA 29634
    • Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC USA 29634
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States 29634
    • Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, India
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634
    • Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning

  • Frank Alexis

    • Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634

  • Apparao Rao

    • Department of Physics, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634
    • Clemson University