TiO2–graphene nanocomposites for enhanced osteocalcin induction

•A series of TiO2–graphene (TGS) nanocomposites were prepared t in situ method.•Particle exhibits 4–11.5 nm in range with higher surface area (167.9–235.6 m2 g–1)•Nanocomposite shows non-toxicity nature in human AGS and MG-63 cell lines.•Nanocomposites with higher content of graphene forms bone like Oxy-HAp layer.•TGS nanocomposites have a remarkable osteocalcin level than the pure TiO2.

Bone defects and damages are common these days, which increases the usage of biomaterial for humans. To prepare a potential biomaterial, we synthesised a series of titania–graphene nanocomposites (TGS) (2:x (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 g)) using in situ sol–gel method. The obtained structural results show that the prepared TGS nanocomposites are an irregular sheet with spherical TiO2 intercalated morphology. The SSA of the nanocomposites ranging from 167.98 to 234.56 m2 g− 1 with mesoporosity and swelling tendency ranging from 11.55 to 26.13% leads to an enhancement in human cell attachment as well as avoids the migration and agglomeration of the nanoparticles in the body. Further, the biological analysis in simulated body fluid and human cell lines (AGS and MG-63) collectively reveals that the TG2 (2:2) and TG4 (2:4) samples are found to be more favourable materials for biomimic bone action among the prepared TGS nanocomposites.

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