Bioactive, Antibacterial, and Biocompatible Multifunctional Mg–GO/ZnO Nanocomposite with Improved Mechanical and Corrosion Characteristics

Abstract

Addressing bacterial infection poses a notable challenge associated with medical implants, including magnesium (Mg)‐based implants used in orthopedic applications. The present work investigates the effect of graphene oxide (GO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) fillers on the microstructure, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, antibacterial activity, and biodegradation properties of Mg alloy. The co‐inclusion of GO and ZnO in the nanocomposites (NCs) resulted in enhanced microhardness, compressive strength, corrosion performance, and hydrophobicity, with values rising from 51 to 82 Hv and 165 to 269 MPa, polarization resistance from 236 to 429 Ω cm2, and water contact angle from 46° to 87°, respectively. An exploration of the corrosion mechanism using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and identification of NC characteristics revealed that the NC's compactness and the hindrance of corrosive ion penetration into the Mg matrix were attributed to the presence of GO/ZnO fillers. Additionally, the formulated NC improved MG63 cell proliferation and attachment. These findings indicate that the developed Mg‐based NCs, leveraging its antimicrobial properties through the inclusion of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and graphene oxide nanoflakes (GONFs), holds significant potential as a degradable material for temporary orthopedic bone implants.