Hybrid gold/graphene oxide reinforced polycaprolactone nanocomposite for biomedical applications

Abstract

Biocompatible nanohybrids, with multiple functionalities, incorporated into a polymeric system aid the design of bioresorbable nanocomposites for biomedical applications. Herein, we report the effectual inclusion of graphene oxide anchored with gold nanostructures (GO-Au) into polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix with distinguished Physico-chemical and biological characteristics. Successful adhesion of the synthesized, multi-shaped Au NPs over graphene sheet surface was confirmed by the results obtained from SEM, HR-TEM, EDAX, XRD, XPS, F-TIR, and Raman techniques. In addition, the optical attributes of the nanohybrid were explored by employing the UV–vis and PL spectral techniques. The hemolysis test conducted for the nanohybrid further confirms its biocompatibility. Subsequently, the introduction of these hybrid nanostructures to the PCL system revealed a giant enrichment in the hydrophilicity, mechanical stability as well as antibacterial activity of the polymeric nanocomposite. Further, notable biodegradation, biomineralization, ALP activity, cell viability, and cell adhesive nature of the hybrid polymer nanocomposite show its potential role in bone tissue engineering. Thus, the current work presents a strategic design for fabricating a bioresorbable nanocomposite with substantial influence on bioactivity which makes them a suitable candidate for biomedical applications, particularly for bone tissue engineering.