Superior X-ray radiation shielding of biocompatible platform based on reinforced polyaniline by decorated graphene oxide with interconnected tungsten-bismuth-tin complex

Nowadays, upon rapid advances and developments in science and technology, X-ray radiation's role in diverse kinds of applications has been highlighted. Lead, and its derivatives as preliminary shielding systems are neither light nor biocompatible. Accordingly, the demand for the fabrication of a lead-free shielding system has increased over the past few decades. To surmount the limitations mentioned above, we have synthesized a novel X-ray radiation shield based on reinforced polyaniline with hybrid graphene oxide nanoflakes decorated with an interconnected complex of tungsten-bismuth-tin, which possesses high inhibitory effects against different microorganisms. Besides, diverse kinds of characterization techniques were employed to assess the as developed nanoflakes' successful fabrication. The radiation attenuation properties of developed nanomaterials and nanocomposites were explored using X-ray (i.e., 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 keV) transmission measurements. The increasing thickness of the shield substantially developed the attenuation efficiency because thickening the samples would intensify the adequate number of the developed nanoparticles in the pathway of incident photons. The shield's thickest layer's attenuation efficiency and linear attenuation coefficient were 98.09% and 0.4399 1. mm-1, respectively, at the photon energy of 120 keV. The obtained results of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test and cell viability assay furtherly confirmed the favourable antibacterial/antifungal effects and non-toxic nature of the developed shields. According to the results, the developed shield can be effectively used to make lighter radiation protective clothes, e.g. aprons, gonad shields, thyroid shields, and structural shielding in X-ray facilities.

Automated summary

The article introduces a novel X-ray radiation shield based on reinforced polyaniline and graphene oxide nanoflakes, aiming to replace traditional lead-containing shielding systems. The research findings demonstrate that the shield material exhibits high radiation attenuation efficiency and antimicrobial effects.