Multifunctional PVP / PCL Polymer Nanocomposite Scaffolds Reinforced With Copper‐Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide for Osteogenic Performance

Abstract

Graphene and inorganic nanoparticles combined to create novel nanomaterials with distinctive properties have garnered a lot of interest. These have kept scientists on their toes and are being used in many different sectors. The Cu‐rGO nanocomposites in a PVP/PCL polymer matrix were created through the solvent casting technique. A biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, PVP/PCL, was chosen for use in this case. The analysis indicated that the Cu‐rGO nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed within the PVP/PCL polymer matrix and possessed the expected elemental composition. Both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria were used to assess the antibacterial properties of the nanocomposites. The findings indicated that the nanocomposites had a better effect than pure‐rGO on antibacterial properties. This is probably because copper nanoparticles enhance the inherent antibacterial properties of graphene oxide through continuous release of copper ions. They also checked if the materials were compatible with blood by monitoring hemolysis. The study revealed that all materials had low hemolysis levels and, therefore, were compatible with blood. However, there was some cell survival in each of the samples tested. This may be attributed to the oxidative stress induced by Cu ions. After 3 days, cell survival in the presence of PCuG5 was 68%.