[Enhanced mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of GelMA hydrogels by incorporating graphene oxide].

Purpose: To construct graphene oxide/methacrylated gelatin(GO/GelMA) hydrogel and to investigate its mechanical property and biocompatibility.

Methods: 50, 100, 200 μg/mL GO was added to GelMA and mixed thoroughly. The micromorphology of hydrogels was observed under scanning electron microscope(SEM). Compression text was used to assess lastic modulus, CCK-8 and live/dead cell staining was conducted to assess the viability of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs). The data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 software package.

Results: SEM showed a highly porous structure of the hydrogel. After adding GO, the elastic modulous increased (100, 200 μg/mL), swelling ratio increased(100 μg/mL) and expansion ratio decreased(200 μg/mL). The viability increased in 50 μg/mL GO and decreased in 100 and 200 μg/mL GO.

Conclusions: Proper concentration of GO can increase the mechanical property and biocompatibility. 50 μg/mL GO/GelMA was suggested in bone tissue engineering given priority to biocompatibility.