Novel Chitosan-poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide biocomposites 3D porous scaffolds

New porous Chitosan-Poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide (CHT-PVA/GO) biocomposites scaffolds were obtained by a freeze drying method. The structural and morphology properties of the scaffolds were investigated. Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the presence of GO into the biopolymer matrices. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images show a highly interconnected porosity for the composites with GO incorporated within the polymer matrices. Further, the water uptake capacity and the enzyme degradation behavior were conducted. The biocomposite ability to form hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals and therefore bone regeneration potential was studied. SEM shows that all the samples are covered with a mineral phase made of micro globule needle type. The presence of HA crystals on the surface was proved by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) where a large number of the characteristic peaks of HA were observed, the average size of individual crystallite being dependent on GO amount.