Simple and robust fabrication and characterization of conductive carbonized nanofibers loaded with gold nanoparticles for bone tissue engineering applications.

Bone tissue engineering is a new and applicable emerging approach to repair bone defects. Electrical conductive scaffolds through a physiologically relevant physical signaling, i.e., electrical stimulation, are highly promising candidates for tissue engineering applications. In this paper, we fabricated carbon nanofiber/gold nanoparticle (CNF/AuNP) conductive scaffolds using two distinct methods. These methods are blending electrospinning in which AuNPs were blended with electrospinning solution, and electrospinning/electrospraying in which AuNPs were electrosprayed simultaneously with electrospinning. The obtained electrospun mats underwent a stabilization/carbonization process. The scaffolds were characterized by SEM, XRD, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy. SEM characterizations showed improved morphology and a slight decrease in the diameter of the electrospinned and electrosprayed nanofibers (from 178.66 ± 38.40 nm to 157.94 ± 24.14 nm and 120.81 ± 13.77 nm, respectively). Raman spectroscopy showed improvement in the graphitization. Electrical conductivity improved by up to 29.2% and 81% in electrospraying and blending electrospinning modes, respectively. Indirect MTT and LDH toxicity assays directly were performed to assess MG63 cell toxicity, but no significant toxicity was observed, and the scaffolds did not adversely affect cell proliferation. It can be concluded these scaffolds have the potential for bone tissue engineering applications.