Graphene and Nanomaterials ApplicationsWound Healing and TreatmentsPolymer Nanocomposite Synthesis and Irradiation

N. S. Diab, H. M. Ragab, Rosilah Ab Aziz, Eshraga Abdallah Ali Elneim, Azzah M. Alghamdi, J. N. Dawoud, M. Farea

2026.1.1BIOINORGANIC CHEMISTRY AND APPLICATIONS

DOI: 10.1155/bca/9762206

Abstract

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposite films reinforced with zinc oxide/graphene oxide (ZnO/GO) nanohybrids were fabricated and systematically characterized for potential biomedical and wound‐healing applications. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via a hydrothermal route and subsequently hybridized with GO and then incorporated into the PMMA matrix at different loadings (0–1.2 wt.%) using a solution casting method. Structural analyses by X‐ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the effective incorporation and homogeneous dispersion of the ZnO/GO nanohybrids without disrupting the PMMA molecular structure. Optical studies revealed a pronounced enhancement in UV‐shielding performance with increasing nanofiller content. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated improved thermal stability, attributed to strong interfacial interactions between PMMA and the nanohybrids. Mechanical measurements showed significant improvements in Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and toughness, accompanied by only a slight decrease in elongation at break, indicating an optimal balance between stiffness and flexibility. In addition, swelling behavior was notably reduced with higher filler loading, reflecting enhanced dimensional stability. In vitro cytocompatibility tests using human fibroblast (HFB4) cells confirmed excellent biocompatibility, with cell viability exceeding 99% at the highest nanohybrid concentration. These findings demonstrate that PMMA–ZnO/GO nanocomposites are promising multifunctional materials for antibacterial and bioactive wound‐dressing applications.

Citation format

DIAB, N. S., et al. Enhanced mechanical, thermal, and biological properties of polymethyl methacrylate–zinc oxide/graphene oxide nanocomposites for wound‐healing applications. BIOINORGANIC CHEMISTRY AND APPLICATIONS, 2026, 2026(1).