Tuning of Graphene oxide - Hydroxyapatite (GO-HAp) composite for enhanced fluorescence and anti-oxidant properties-green approach

Abstract

Many researchers are working on doping and co-doping of HAp with metal ions and rare earth elements to improve the applicability of HAp, but all these studies question the biocompatibility of HAp. Further, there are no reports on the fluorescence and anti-oxidant aspects. Graphene oxide being a non-toxic material, with excellent physiochemical properties can enhance and induce new properties in HAp. The present study explored the transformation of sea wastes into valuable products such as HAp reduces the negative impact on the environment. GO (from cellulose) and HAp (from Anadara granosa, Crassostrea virginica, synthetic CaCO3). The prepared composite material from two different methods (Post-modification and In situ) of three different precursors are compared and contrasted. From the PXRD results, P-GO-HAp has retained both GO and HAp phases with high crystallinity. The hydrophilicity and higher calcium ratio in P-GO-HApS, the presence of β – TCP phase after composite formation in P-GO-HApC & P-GO-HApO has improved its utility in bone implants. Also, the intense bluish-green emission of P-GO-HApC & P-GO-HApO paves the way for biocompatible imaging. The interplay of calcium, improved hydrophilicity, and stable radical sites of the conjugated π system of GO paved the way for antioxidant property in P-GO-HApS with a radical scavenging potential of 32.88%. With the increase in antioxidant properties, the composite has enhanced inhibition on the most common dental infection caused by Streptococcus mutans.