MXene-Based Conductive Micropatterned Composites Promote Myogenic Differentiation of Muscle Cells

Traumatic injuries resulting in significant loss of tissue mass are generally associated with neuromuscular problems and cosmetic defects. The fast-developing field of tissue engineering is expected to solve this medical problem by providing multifunctional biomaterials which can synergically deliver different pro-regenerative signals, leading to functional and structural reconnection of the impaired tissue. Here, we have developed novel micropatterned and conductive MXene/PLA blends, combining in the same material the high electrical conductivity of the MXene phase, the topotactic guidance provided by micropatterns, and the biodegradability of the FDA-approved polyester matrix. Blends with different MXene/PLA ratios have been prepared and characterized by means of XRD, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Then, micropatterned MXene/PLA films featuring 100 to 300 µm-sized grooves were fabricated by soft-lithography. Biological tests using C2C12 myoblasts demonstrated that MXene/PLA micropatterns effectively allow the growth of C2C12 myoblasts along the microchannels. This spatial organization enhances cell–cell interactions and promotes myogenic differentiation. Real-time PCR suggested preliminary differentiation of C2C12 cultured for 7 days on micropatterned blends when seeded at higher density, even in the absence of a myogenic differentiation cell culture medium. These results highlight the potential of novel conductive MXene/PLA micropatterns for applications in muscle tissue engineering.