A genipin-cross-linked chitosan/graphene oxide (GCS/GO) composite film was prepared using a solution casting method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy of the composite films showed that the interactions between the CS and oxygen-containing groups of GO resulted in good dispersion of the GO sheets in the CS network. The addition of GO decreased the expansion ratio of the composite films in physiological conditions and increased the resistance to degradation by lysozymes in vitro. As well, the tensile strength values of the GCS/GO films were significantly increased with the increasing load of GO. Moreover, the GCS/GO composite film also maintained the intrinsic fluorescence of GCS. The in vitro cell study results revealed that the composite films were suitable for the proliferation and adhesion of mouse preosteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cells. The GCS/GO biocomposite films might have a potential use in tissue engineering, bioimaging, and drug delivery.
Keywords: chitosan film degradation; cytocompatibility; fluorescence.