Aim: To differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into functional dopaminergic neurons using an electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) and graphene (G) nanocomposite. Methods: A one-step approach was used to electrospin the PCL nanocomposite, with varying G concentrations, followed by evaluating their biocompatibility and neuronal differentiation. Results: PCL with exiguous graphene demonstrated an ideal nanotopography with an unprecedented combination of guidance stimuli and substrate cues, aiding the enhanced differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into dopaminergic neurons. These newly differentiated neurons were seen to exhibit unique neuronal arborization, enhanced intracellular Ca2+ influx and dopamine secretion. Conclusion: Having cost-effective fabrication and room-temperature storage, the PCL-G nanocomposites could pave the way for enhanced neuronal differentiation, thereby opening a new horizon for an array of applications in neural regenerative medicine.
Keywords: dopaminergic neurons; electrospinning; graphene; mesenchymal stem cells; nanofibers; neuronal differentiation.