Graphene and carbon nanotube–graphene hybrid nanomaterials for human embryonic stem cell culture

The objective of this study was to explore the potential of graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)–graphene hybrid nanomaterials for culturing delicate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and maintaining their viability. This first in vitro study reports the hESC viability and proliferation when cultured with graphene and MWNT–graphene nanomaterials. The results demonstrated that the hESCs remained viable and pluripotent, and they proliferated on graphene and MWNT–graphene hybrid during 9 days of culture with or without Geltrex®. With Geltrex®, the cells attached and proliferated on graphene-based nanomaterials during 9 days of culture. Without Geltrex®, the cells remained viable and formed cell aggregates suspended in media during 9 days of culture.

► Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)–graphene hybrid were produced by CVD.
► Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were cultured with graphene-based nanomaterials.
► The hESCs remained viable and pluripotent on graphene and MWNT–graphene hybrid.
► The hESCs proliferated on graphene-based nanomaterials during 9 days of culture.