Fabrication of graphene oxide/poly (L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) nanocomposite with NIR light-induced shape memory effect and antibacterial properties

Poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) nanocomposites reinforced with graphene oxide modified by poly (L-lactic acid) (g-GO) were prepared by solution casting, where the graft ratio of PLLA to GO is about 11.7%. The results show that the g-GO possesses improved dispersion and interface interactions with the PLCL matrix, therefore, the final mechanical properties of nanocomposites are enhanced. Comparing with neat PLCL, the tensile strength and elongation at break of (1wt%)g-GO/PLCL are increased by 86.4% and 82.4%, respectively. Moreover, the g-GO/PLCL nanocomposite containing 1 wt% g-GO exhibits excellent thermal- induced and NIR light-induced shape memory effects and the shape recovery ratio is all up to 95%. The nanocomposites also have favorable antibacterial properties. The g-GO/PLCL nanocomposites with good NIR light-induced shape memory effect, antibacterial properties, biodegradability and biocompatibility have great potential for minimally invasive surgery.