Development of Poly(Lactic Acid)‐Graphene Oxide Polymer Nanocomposite for Biomedical Applications: Studies on Physicochemical, Mechanical and Hemocompatibility Characteristics

ABSTRACT

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major cause of chronic low back pain, often associated with annular fibrosus (AF) rupture. Polymeric materials and their composites are increasingly explored for AF repair and IVD degeneration. Poly lactic acid (PLA) based nanocomposite films, reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) synthesized from sugarcane bagasse (SCB), were fabricated using the solvent‐casting method with varying GO loadings. The GO and composites were characterized for their morphological, physicochemical, mechanical, degradation, and hemocompatibility properties. GO showed an average particle size of about 200 nm and zeta potential of −11.45 mV, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a flake‐like morphology with sharp edges. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) identified epoxy, carboxylic, and hydroxyl groups, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed a 2θ value of 10°, confirming the presence of GO. SEM analysis of composites exhibited uniform GO distribution, except at 2 wt% loading. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed that GO addition did not change the structural characteristics of PLA. Moreover, GO addition enhanced the hydrophilicity and mechanical properties of PLA. Hemocompatibility studies revealed excellent biocompatibility of composites, except for 2 wt% GO loading. The nanocomposite containing 1 wt% GO revealed homogenous dispersion and favorable cytocompatibility, suggesting its suitability for IVD implant applications.