A new composite scaffold of bioactive glass nanoparticles/graphene: Synchronous improvements of cytocompatibility and mechanical property

• Original preparation of graphene (GNS)/bioactive glass (BGs) composite.
• GNS can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of BGs.
• This composite shows better cytocompatibility and higher osseointegration ability.
• The newfound composite will be used in bone regeneration and implantation.

This study presents a simple method of synthesizing bioactive glass nanoparticles/graphene nanosheets composite (BGs/GNS) scaffolds using the sol-gel and mold-compressing strategies. Characterizations of BGs/GNS scaffold revealed that BGs with an average diameter of 28.75 nm were densely anchored onto both sides of GNS. When the mass ratio of BGs to graphene oxide was set as 10, this scaffold showed better cytocompatibility and higher osseointegration ability with surrounding tissues than the other scaffolds. The introduction of GNS also significantly enhanced the hardness and Young’s modulus of BGs. Given the excellent performance of this scaffold, it has potential applications in bone regeneration and implantation.

A brief caption for the graphical abstract:The introduction of GNS not only promoted the adhesion and growth of osteoblastic cells and the deposition of HA, but also enhanced the Young’s modulus and hardness of BGs.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide