A novel GO-CS@ZnO composite for bone graft site infection prevention and tissue regeneration

Bone graft defect repair remains a clinically challenging issue due to the persistent risk of postoperative infections and compromised biocompatibility in graft materials. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel graphene oxide‑calcium silicate‑zinc oxide (GO-CS@ZnO) composite specifically designed for bone regeneration applications. The composite was synthesized through the hydrothermal method and systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Because GO contains a large number of hydrophilic groups, they can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Subsequently, the water contact angle test proved that this material has strong hydrophilicity. Remarkably, the composite demonstrated exceptional antibacterial efficacy with inhibition rates exceeding 90 % against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as validated through rigorous antimicrobial testing. Subsequent in vitro cytotoxicity evaluations over a 72-h period confirmed excellent biocompatibility. These collective findings demonstrate the significant potential of the GO-CS@ZnO composite as an innovative biomaterial for bone defect repair, providing a promising dual-functional solution that simultaneously addresses infection control and biocompatibility requirements in clinical applications.