Synergistic improvement of the mechanical and biological performance of SiN by incorporating nanostructured graphene

Achieving synergy between mechanical and biological performance has long been a challenge in developing silicon nitride (SiN) as a bone regeneration implant material. In this study, a nanostructured graphene-toughened SiN composite (SiN–G) was prepared, and the mechanical and biological properties of the resulting SiN–G composite were compared with those of SiN ceramics without graphene addition. The incorporation of nanostructured graphene substantially improves the mechanical properties of SiN. 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 SiN-based bio-ceramics in bone tissue engineerin