Zero dimensional Graphene Quantum Dots self-assembled collagen 3D bio-matrices for soft tissue regeneration

The current study focuses on self-assembly of collagen fibrils with Graphene Quantum Dots (GQD) and its tissue regenerative applications. GQDs were synthesised by the liquid exfoliation method using ethyl acetoacetate (EAA) as the solvent. The photoluminescence property of the GQD was established by the UV-Vis absorption spectrum. Characteristic increase in thermal stability, enhanced tensile strength was found after the selfassembly of collagen with GQD. The GQDs self-assembled collagen bio-matrices showed 3D surface topology mimicking the extracellular matrix. The GQDs self-assembled collagen bio-matrices did not show toxicity in the structural cells namely fibroblast cells and exhibited increased biocompatibility as indicated by enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation and cell migration of fibroblast cells. Angio-proliferative effect as indicated by an enhanced blood vessel formation and intact unruptured blood vessels was observed in the GQD self-assembled collagen. The study opens a way forward for the use of zero-dimensional graphene based 3-dimensional selfassembled collagen biomatrices for soft tissue regenerative applications.