Enhanced biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of copper-decorated reduced graphene oxide nanohybrid for biomedical applications

Abstract

In this study, we synthesized copper/reduced graphene oxide (Cu/RGO) nanocomposites using a hydrothermal method, with hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent. Structural analysis, conducted via XRD and Raman spectroscopy, confirmed the successful reduction of graphene oxide (GO) to rGO and the incorporation of copper nanoparticles onto the rGO surface. The hydrothermal reduction technique effectively produced Cu nanoparticles uniformly dispersed on the rGO surface. Additionally, water contact angle measurements demonstrated reduced hydrophobicity in Cu-rGO samples, indicating enhanced wettability with copper nanoparticle integration. Biocompatibility assessments, including hemolytic activity testing and cell viability assays using Vero cell lines, showed favorable biocompatibility and enhanced cell viability in Cu-rGO samples compared to pure rGO. Antibacterial studies revealed increased efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli in Cu-rGO samples, attributed to synergistic effects of rGO’s antimicrobial properties and copper nanoparticles’ activity.

Keywords: Biocompatibility, Copper nanoparticles, Graphene oxide, Hydrophilicity