Xiuwen Chen,1,* Meiyan Zou,1,* Siquan Liu,1 Weilin Cheng,1 Weihong Guo,2 Xiaoli Feng1 

1Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Correspondence: Weihong Guo; Xiaoli Feng, Email drguowh@163.com; dentistfxl226@163.com

Abstract: Graphene family nanomaterials (GFNs) have attracted considerable attention in diverse fields from engineering and electronics to biomedical applications because of their distinctive physicochemical properties such as large specific surface area, high mechanical strength, and favorable hydrophilic nature. Moreover, GFNs have demonstrated the ability to create an anti-inflammatory environment and exhibit antibacterial effects. Consequently, these materials hold immense potential in facilitating cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, further promoting the repair and regeneration of various tissues, including bone, nerve, oral, myocardial, and vascular tissues. Note that challenges still persist in current applications, including concerns regarding biosecurity risks, inadequate adhesion performance, and unsuitable degradability as matrix materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current advancements in the utilization of GFNs in regenerative medicine, as well as their molecular mechanism and signaling targets in facilitating tissue repair and regeneration. Future research prospects for GFNs, such as potential in promoting ocular tissue regeneration, are also discussed in details. We hope to offer a valuable reference for the clinical application of GFNs in the treatment of bone defects, nerve damage, periodontitis, and atherosclerosis.

Keywords: graphene, graphene oxide, regenerative medicine, scaffold, anti-inflammatory, bone regeneration, nerve, angiogenesis, dental pulp stem cells