Silver nanoparticles decorated graphene oxide nanocomposite for bone regeneration applications

Abstract

Different ultra-lightweight carbon nanostructures with superb mechanical properties have made them attractive materials for reinforcing nanocomposites. However, the preparation of an ideal bone reinforcement is still a challenging task. Therefore, in the present study, a simple wet chemistry method was employed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite as potential reinforcement in orthopedic applications. A well-dispersed nearly oval-shaped AgNPs with the mean size of 9 ± 6 nm were homogeneously formed on the surface of GO due to its supporting role in preventing agglomeration of fine particles. The results of the antibacterial activities revealed that the anchor of AgNPs on the surface of GO improved its antibacterial properties, in which the composite structure exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) than Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. The proposed protocol can keep steady the scattering of the AgNPs in nanocomposite and prolong the antibacterial activity of the system.

Highlights

• AgNPs-GO nanocomposite was prepared via a facile wet chemistry approach.

• AgNPs (9 ± 6 nm) were homogeneously formed on GO.

• GO dictated the formation of nearly oval AgNPs in the system.

• The highest reactivity was found to be -0.315 eV.atom⁻¹.

• Nanocomposite showed higher antibacterial activity versus E. coli than S. aureus bacteria.

Keywords:

• Bone regeneration
• silver nanoparticles
• graphene oxide
• nanocomposite
• antibacterial activity