Influence of Graphene, Hydroxyapatite, and Hydroxyapatite‐Niobium Pentoxide Nanoparticles on Polycaprolactone Electrospun Fibers Mats Properties

Polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fiber mats containing varying concentrations of graphene flakes (GF), hydroxyapatite (HAp), and hydroxyapatite with niobium pentoxide (HAp5Nb) were successfully prepared by electrospinning. These composites exhibit great potential in biomedical applications, particularly as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. The addition of GF enhances the rheological properties of the PCL solution due to the intrinsic properties resulting from their interactions. Additionally, incorporating HAp and HAp5Nb nanoparticles increases the viscosity of PCL‐based solutions, leading to the formation of thinner fiber diameters. The GF, HAp, and HAp5Nb nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x‐ray diffractometry (XRD), while the degree of disorder and heterogeneity of GF was assessed using Raman spectroscopy. The physical and chemical properties of the electrospun fiber mats were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), XRD, fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and contact angle measurements. The cytotoxicity of PCL‐based electrospun fiber mats containing GF, HAp, and HAp5Nb nanoparticles was evaluated using mouse fibroblasts. Results showed that cell viability with 100% extract from the fiber mats was higher than with pure PCL or Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium DMEM control, indicating that the samples were non‐toxic and promoted cell growth. This highlights their potential as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.