In vitro study demonstrates enhanced antibacterial activity and blood compatibility in copper-graphene polymer scaffolds, suggesting potential utility for bone tissue engineering.
Key Points
Synthesize and evaluate multifunctional PVP/PCL polymer nanocomposite scaffolds reinforced with copper-decorated reduced graphene oxide for structural, antibacterial, and biocompatibility performance.
Fabricated copper-decorated reduced graphene oxide (Cu-rGO) nanocomposites within a polyvinylpyrrolidone/polycaprolactone (PVP/PCL) polymer matrix using a solvent casting technique.
Assessed antibacterial efficacy against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria alongside hemocompatibility using hemolysis assays.
Evaluated cytocompatibility by monitoring cell survival over a 3-day culture period.
Cu-rGO nanocomposites exhibited greater antibacterial efficacy against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria than pure reduced graphene oxide, driven by continuous copper ion release.
All tested formulations maintained low hemolysis levels, confirming overall hemocompatibility.
Cell survival in the presence of the PCuG5 formulation reached 68% after 3 days, with cell mortality linked to copper ion-induced oxidative stress.