Recent advancements in biomedical application of polylactic acid/graphene nanocomposites: An overview
Gbolahan Joseph Adekoya,
Anthony Chidi Ezika,
Oluwasegun Chijioke Adekoya,
Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku,
Yskandar Hamam,
Suprakas Sinha Ray
Affiliations
Gbolahan Joseph Adekoya
Institute of NanoEngineering Research (INER) Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria South Africa
Anthony Chidi Ezika
Institute of NanoEngineering Research (INER) Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria South Africa
Oluwasegun Chijioke Adekoya
Institute of NanoEngineering Research (INER) Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria South Africa
Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku
Institute of NanoEngineering Research (INER) Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria South Africa
Yskandar Hamam
French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI)/Department of Electrical Engineering Tshwane University of Technology Pretoria South Africa
Suprakas Sinha Ray
Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials DSI‐CSIR Nanotechnology Innovation Centre Council for Scientific and Industrial Research CSIR Pretoria South Africa
Abstract Polylactic acid (PLA)‐graphene nanocomposites have attracted significant attention in the biomedical field because of their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and excellent mechanical properties. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the recent developments in the biomedical applications of PLA/graphene nanocomposites. The discussed applications include tissue engineering, drug delivery, biomedical imaging and sensing, antimicrobial and anticancer treatments, and photothermal and photodynamic therapies. The properties and synthesis of these nanocomposites are also addressed. This review shows that although significant advancements have been made in the development of biomedical applications for PLA/graphene nanocomposites, further research is still required to overcome the existing challenges and limitations, such as improving biocompatibility and biodegradability and optimizing synthesis and processing methods. Despite these challenges, the potential of PLA/graphene nanocomposites in the biomedical field is significant and holds promise for future advancements.
