Performance SiO2, GO, and SiO2@GO nanomaterials on fabricating new polymer nanocomposites for optical, antibacterial, and anticancer applications

Abstract

Hybrid nanomaterials-based polymer nanocomposites have achieved unique properties for multiple applications. This investigation focused on the impact of the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) or silicon oxide (SiO2) nanomaterials (NM) with the combination of SiO2@GO as hybrid nanomaterials (HNMs). Either SiO₂ or GO and SiO@GO HNMs were utilized to reinforce blended polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) to fabricate new PCL–PEI/SiO₂, PCL–PEI/GO, and PCL–PEI/SiO₂@GO nanocomposites using a developed acoustic-mixing-sonications procedure. Fourier transform infrared analysis reveals substantial interfacial bonds among blended polymers, SiO_2, nanoparticles, and GO nanosheets in nanocomposites_. The X-ray diffraction confirms the semi-crystalline nature of samples. Optical and field emission electron microscopy revealed homogenous and rough surfaces turned to smother with the contribution of nanomaterials. Incorporating NM and HNMs in the matrix presented transition elections at 240 nm, significantly improving compared with the blend polymer. HNMs contributions notably reduced the energy gap of the blended PCL–PEI polymers from 3.4 to 1.92 eV and 2.97 to 0.75 eV for allowed and forbidden transitions, respectively. HNMs showed the best efficacy against Gram-negative P. aeruginosa bacteria up to 30 mm and Gram-positive (E. faecalis) up to 16 mm compared to blended polymers. Using the MTT assay, the toxic effect of (PCL–PEI/SiO₂@GO) nanocomposites against breast cancer cells was notable, growing with concentration and toxic effect on cancer cells. Combining two nanomaterials presented results instead of one nanomaterial, making nanocomposites excellent candidates for several advanced applications, including optoelectronic devices, disinfectants, and antimicrobial materials.