Abstract
This study reports the successful fabrication and characterization of graphene quantum dot (GQD)-doped hydrogels designed as advanced scaffolds for tissue engineering, focusing on enhanced biocompatibility and sustained release of growth factors. Hydrogels, while promising, often lack optimal mechanical properties and controlled growth factor delivery. By incorporating GQDs, we aimed to address these limitations. GQDs were synthesized via a hydrothermal method and subsequently integrated into a methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel matrix through photo-polymerization. Mechanical testing revealed a significant increase in compressive modulus and tensile strength with increasing GQD concentration, indicating improved structural integrity. Microscopic analyses confirmed uniform dispersion of GQDs within the hydrogel network. *In vitro* biological assessments demonstrated that GQD-doped hydrogels significantly enhanced cell viability, proliferation, and adhesion of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) compared to pristine GelMA hydrogels, suggesting superior biocompatibility. Furthermore, the GQD-doped hydrogels exhibited a sustained release profile for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) over a period of 14 days, effectively mitigating the typical burst release observed in conventional hydrogels. These findings highlight the potential of GQD-doped hydrogels as versatile and highly effective biomaterials, offering a robust platform for advanced tissue engineering applications by providing a supportive microenvironment and controlled therapeutic delivery.
