Sodium alginate/biphasic calcium phosphate/graphene oxide composite films for biomaterials applications

Calcium phosphate composite films reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) were developed to enhance the performance of biomaterials. Graphene, due to its exceptional mechanical strength, biocompatibility and large surface area, was incorporated into sodium alginate/biphasic calcium phosphate films prepared by casting technique. The effect of GO content (0-1%) on film composition, morphology, mechanical strength, swelling degree and in vitro biocompatibility was evaluated. The incorporation of GO increased tensile strength by approximately 32%. The swelling degree increased with GO content, suggesting enhanced hydrophilicity and a modulation of the hydrogel network crosslinking, which improves structural stability. GO addition also promoted greater osteoblast spreading, along with extensive extracellular matrix secretion and deposition. The results indicated that the addition of graphene oxide improved mechanical and biological performance of composite films, confirming their potential for biomedical applications.