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