Physical and Biocompatible Characteristics of Gamma-Irradiated PCL/HAp/rGO Composite Films

The impact of gamma (gamma)-irradiation at doses of 25, 50, 75, and 100 kGy on the physical, morphological, optical and biological properties of polycaprolactone/ hydroxyapatite/ reduced graphene oxide (PCL/HAp/rGO) composite films were studied. SEM micrographs revealed the emergence of micro trenches at 50 kGy followed by cavities at 75 kGy. The AFM analysis showed that the Root Mean Square (RMS) roughness value of PHr50 was 11.30 +/- 0.14 nm, 45% lower than that of the pristine sample (24.23 +/- 0.09 nm). Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the morphological integrity of the composites despite notable alterations observed upon gamma-irradiation. XRD results confirmed slight shifts in the diffraction peak (110) towards the lower angle (21.5 degrees to 21.2 degrees) side. FTIR and Raman analyses showed slight alterations in the peak intensity of the composite films. UV analysis revealed a shift in absorption edge towards the higher wavelengths; the calculated bandgap varied between 3.56 +/- 0.01 and 3.25 +/- 0.01 eV. Contact angle measurements with water suggest increased hydrophobicity at moderate fluences (75 kGy). Cell viability studies demonstrated enhanced biocompatibility with higher cell proliferation at 50 kGy. These findings highlight gamma-irradiation's potential to tune the morphological, structural, optical and biological properties of PCL/HAp/rGO composite films, advancing their application in tissue engineering.