Potential of Graphene–Polymer composites for ligament and tendon repair: a review

Tendon/ligament injuries are debilitating conditions that affect the life quality of a great percentage of the adult population. Several challenges still have to be addressed regarding the repair of these tissues, as current treatments show limited success. The use of biocompatible and biodegradable...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advanced engineering materials 2020-12, Vol.22 (12), p.n/a
Main Authors: Peixoto, Tânia, Paiva, M. C., Marques, António T., Lopes, Maria A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
biocompatibility and biodegradability
Biotecnologia Médica
Ciências Médicas
composite scaffolds
Engenharia e Tecnologia
Engenharia Médica
graphene
mechanical properties
Science & Technology
tendon and ligament repair
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Summary:Tendon/ligament injuries are debilitating conditions that affect the life quality of a great percentage of the adult population. Several challenges still have to be addressed regarding the repair of these tissues, as current treatments show limited success. The use of biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric scaffolds potentially helps accomplish a complete and long-term functional repair but, unfortunately, these materials lack adequate mechanical properties to be used in such demanding applications. Graphene is a subject of interest for tissue-repair applications due to its electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. If incorporated adequately, it may significantly improve the physical properties of the composite, even at small loadings. Furthermore, graphene presents a biocompatible surface that may enhance cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation and demonstrates promising outcomes in several in vitro and in vivo biological applications. Therefore, herein, the potential of graphene materials for the reinforcement of biodegradable polymers of interest for tendon/ligament repair is explored. The effect of graphene on relevant features such as mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility is revised, to understand the feasibility of these composites to fulfill the requirements associated with these tissues and conclude how their applicability is extended to this field. Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the National Funds References UIDB/05256/2020 e UIDP/05256/2020. REQUIMTE-LAQV acknowledges the support of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the National Funds Reference UIDB/50006/2020. Tânia Peixoto also acknowledges the financial support from FCT, through the PhD Grant PD/BD/143035/2018
ISSN:1438-1656
1527-2648
DOI:10.1002/adem.202000492