Application of Graphene Oxide as a Biomaterial for the Development of Large-Area Cell Culture Vessels

Abstract

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was coated on the surface of a large-area polystyrene film using spray coating. To analyze the possibility of developing a large-area cell culture vessel from this material, the mechanical properties of the coated surface as well as the cell compatibility and cell proliferation in the vessel were evaluated. Step measurements confirmed a curve of 100 nm or larger on the cell culture vessel surface. The surface was composed of GO (as determined from Raman spectroscopy) and its measured transmittance was ~90% or higher. The coated surface was rendered hydrophilic with an increase in surface energy. Although the cells hardly grew on the general polystyrene film, they attached and proliferated on the polystyrene film coated with GO. Zero cytotoxicity was reported, particularly in the sample that was spray-coated three times at 93.75 mm/s. Note that the cell viability was 1.43 times higher than that in the conventional cell culture vessel. Economic and efficient large-area cell culture vessels can be developed if the GO coating establishes an appropriate surface roughness and surface energy.