Synergistic improvement of the mechanical and biological performance of Si <sub>3</sub>N <sub>4</sub> by incorporating nanostructured graphene
Zhe Zhan, Bin Deng, Yanru Chen, Xinghong Zhang, Jinzhu Song
Abstract
Achieving synergy between mechanical and biological performance has long been a challenge in developing silicon nitride (Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>) as a bone regeneration implant material. In this study, a nanostructured graphene-toughened Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> composite (Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>–G) was prepared, and the mechanical and biological properties of the resulting Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>–G composite were compared with those of Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> ceramics without graphene addition. The incorporation of nanostructured graphene substantially improves the mechanical properties of Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>. Furthermore, the nanoscale thickness of graphene enhances antibacterial activity through a “cutting” effect, while its high specific surface area promotes cell adhesion, activating mechanosensitive pathways linked to osteogenic differentiation. This work provides new insights into the potential applications of Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>-based bio-ceramics in bone tissue engineering.