Laser patterned diamond electrodes for adhesion and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates laser-patterned diamond electrodes that support human mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and growth, combining excellent electrochemical properties with biocompatibility for potential therapeutic applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel single-step laser patterning method to create biocompatible diamond electrodes with enhanced electrochemical performance for stem cell culture.

Findings

High specific capacitance of 182 uF/cm2

Wide water window of 3.25 V

Supports cell adhesion and proliferation

Abstract

The ability to form diamond electrodes on insulating polycrystalline diamond substrates using single-step laser patterning, and the use of the electrodes as a substrate that supports the adhesion and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is demonstrated. Laser induced graphitisation results in a conductive amorphous carbon surface, rich in oxygen and nitrogen terminations. This results in an electrode with a high specific capacitance of 182 uF/cm2, a wide water window of 3.25 V, and a low electrochemical impedance of 129 Ohms/cm2 at 1 kHz. The electrodes surface exhibited a good level of biocompatibility with hMSCs, supporting cell adhesion and proliferation. The cells cultured on the electrode displayed significant elongation and alignment along the direction of the laser patterned microgrooves. Because of its favourable electrochemical performance and biocompatibility, the laser-patterned diamond electrodes create a potential for a versatile platform in stem cell therapeutics.