Calcium phosphate graphene with tailorable phosphate and oxygen content for increased osteogenic activity

Abstract

The treatment of critical bone injuries using autografts and metallic hardware, though effective, carries drawbacks yet to be addressed by modern interventions. One way that researchers have sought to avoid these complications is using bioresorbable synthetic grafts. Ideally, these materials possess mechanical properties like that of bone and support the site of injury until absorbed and replaced by native bone. In this work we seek to continue the work of optimizing the synthesis of one synthetic graft candidate, calcium phosphate graphene (CaPG). CaPG is a functional graphenic material (FGM) made using the Arbuzov reaction to covalently seed polyphosphates on the graphenic backbone. This material releases calcium and phosphate ions and has been shown to induce osteogenesis. Herein, we investigate reaction conditions and demonstrate the ability to tailor the functionalization of CaPG. The differences in these properties were found to affect mechanical properties, ion elution, as well as calcium deposition of stem cells when measured via Alizarin Red S (ARS). These results continue to demonstrate the potential of CaPG scaffolds as tunable materials to promote bone regeneration.