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Exploring the Role of Graphene Oxide in Enhancing Neuronal ‎Differentiation of ‎Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Document Type : Article

Authors

1 ‎Department of Biology Education, ‎Farhangian University, P.O. Box ‎‎14665-889, Tehran, Iran

2 ‎Department of Pediatrics, School of ‎Medicine, Iran University of Medical ‎Sciences, Tehran, Iran‎

3 ‎Department of Biology, Faculty of ‎Biological Sciences, University of ‎Kharazmi, Tehran, Iran

10.30473/eab.2025.73762.1986

Abstract

Objective: Nanoparticles, owing to their unique physicochemical properties, have emerged as promising agents for biomedical applications, particularly in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Among the various types of nanoparticles, graphene oxide (GO) has garnered significant attention because of its biocompatibility and ability to facilitate cellular processes. This study investigated the role of graphene oxide nanoparticles in promoting neural differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), focusing on the underlying mechanisms and outcomes of such interactions.
Materials and Methods: In this study, bone marrow-derived stem cells were isolated from the femurs of mice using a flushing method. The cells were cultured in three distinct groups for 14 days. Control Group: Cells were cultured in a neural differentiation medium without additives. Group 1: Cells were cultured in a general culture medium supplemented with 1.5 µg/ml of graphene oxide. Group 2: Cells were cultured in neural differentiation medium with 1.5 µg/ml of graphene oxide. To assess the effects of graphene oxide on cell viability and differentiation, MTT assays were employed to evaluate cytotoxicity, while immunocytochemistry (ICC) techniques were used to detect the expression of neural differentiation markers, including Sox2, β-tubulin III, and MAP2.
Results: The results demonstrated that both Group 1 and Group 2 exhibited expression of all three neural differentiation markers, Sox2, β-tubulin III, and MAP2, comparable to that of the control group. This indicates that the presence of graphene oxide, even in general culture medium, can promote neural differentiation. However, it is noteworthy that the dose of graphene oxide used in this study also exhibited no cytotoxic effects on the cells, suggesting a delicate balance between promoting differentiation and maintaining cell viability. The findings of this study underscore the potential of graphene oxide nanoparticles as a tool for enhancing neural differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. The ability of GO to induce the expression of key proteins associated with neural differentiation without the need for additional nerve growth factors highlights its efficacy as a biocompatible scaffold. 
Conclusion: This study provides evidence that graphene oxide nanoparticles can effectively promote the neural differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells. The ability to induce the expression of critical neural markers through both direct cellular interactions and scaffold formation makes graphene oxide a valuable component in neuroregenerative strategies. Future research should focus on elucidating the precise mechanisms by which graphene oxide influences cellular pathways and optimizing its application in stem cell therapy for neurological disorders.

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Experimental animal Biology
Volume 13, Issue 3 - Serial Number 51
June 2025
Pages 1-11
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