Regulable surface potential of MXene/P(VDF-TrFE) electrospun membranes promotes BMSCs osteogenic differentiation

Bone tissue engineering requires biomaterials capable of bionically simulating the physiological electro-microenvironment of natural bone to regulate osteogenic cell behavior. Herein, Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene/P(VDF-TrFE) electroactive nanocomposite membranes with tunable surface potential were successfully fabricated via electrospinning technology. The microstructure, crystal phase composition, thermal stability, piezoelectric performance, and electrical conductivity of the composite membranes were systematically characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy (Raman), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), piezoelectric coefficient (d 33 ) measurements, and surface resistance tests. XRD, FTIR, and Raman characterizations confirmed that MXene acted as a nucleating agent, which inhibited the formation of the α-phase of P(VDF-TrFE) and promoted the generation of the ferroelectric β-phase. Piezoelectric and electrical property tests demonstrated that MXene doping significantly enhanced the piezoelectric performance and electrical conductivity of the composite membranes. Specifically, the d33 value of the composite membrane with 2.0 wt% MXene reached 5.4 pC/N. Moreover, the surface resistance of MXene-doped membranes was drastically reduced from 230.0 mΩ (for the pure P(VDF-TrFE) membrane) to ∼24–25 mΩ, constructing an efficient charge transport pathway. Consequently, the MXene/P(VDF-TrFE) membranes facilitated cell adhesion, stretching, and proliferation, exhibiting excellent biocompatibility. Meanwhile, cells cultured on the composite membranes displayed enhanced spreading and improved cytoskeletal organization. Further osteogenic assessments revealed that MXene-containing substrates effectively promoted osteogenic differentiation at both the early and late stages, as well as enhanced the formation of mineralized extracellular matrix. These findings suggest that MXene incorporation provides a favorable microenvironment for directing the osteogenic differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs). The fabricated MXene/P(VDF-TrFE) nanocomposite membranes possess a biomimetic microenvironment with sustainable electric potential and optimal topographical structure, offering an innovative and well-suited strategy for applications in bone regeneration.