Ultrasonicated graphene oxide enhances bone and skin wound regeneration

In the present study, we investigated the applications of ultrasonicated graphene oxide (UGO) for bone regeneration and skin wound healing. Ultrasonication of a GO suspension increased the dispersion and stability (by increasing the zeta potential) of the GO suspension. UGO has fewer oxygen-containing groups but still displays excellent water dispersion. The UGO supension showed high biocompatibility for human fetal osteoblast (hFOB cells), human endothelial cells (EA.hy 926 cells), and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Importantly, UGO could support cell attachment and proliferation, in addition to promoting the osteogenesis of seeded cells and the promotion of new bone formation. In addition, a 1% UGO supension enhanced cell migration in an in vitro skin scratch assay and promoted wound closure in an in vivo rat excisional skin defect model. These results showed that UGO offers a good environment for cells involved in bone and skin healing, suggesting its potential application in tissue regeneration.