PLLA/Graphene Nanocomposites Membranes with Improved Biocompatibility and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

In this work, nanocomposite membranes based on graphene and polylactide were evaluated for mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Single-layer graphene (SLG), graphene nanosheets (GNS), and poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) were prepared through layer-by-layer deposition and homogeneous mixing. The results revealed that PLLA/SLG nanocomposites and PLLA/GNS nanocomposites could show enhanced mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The addition of a tiny amount of SLG significantly improved Young’s modulus and tensile strength of the PLLA matrix by 15.9% and 32.8% respectively, while the addition of the same mass ratio of GNS boosted the elongation at break of the PLLA matrix by 79.7%. These results were ascribed to the crystallinity and interfacial interaction differences resulting from graphene incorporation. Also, improved biocompatibility was observed with graphene incorporation. Such nanocomposites membranes showed a lot of potential as environment-friendly and biomedical materials.