2D-Germanane-reinforced poly(lactic acid): nanocomposites with enhanced antioxidative and antibacterial activity

Abstract

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a widely used biobased polymer, but its slow crystallization, brittleness, and limited functional properties restrict broader applications. In this study, we report the first incorporation of germanane (GeH) into PLA via solution mixing to produce nanocomposites. Adequate dispersion was achieved at low GeH loadings (0.5–3.0 wt%), while higher concentrations (5.0 wt%) led to aggregation. The addition of small amounts of GeH significantly accelerated PLA crystallization and enhanced local mechanical properties, although thermal stability was slightly reduced. Notably, the nanocomposites exhibited antioxidative and antibacterial activities, arising from the intrinsic properties of GeH. These findings highlight that very low GeH loadings are sufficient to enhance both structural and functional performance. The combination of improved crystallization, mechanical behavior, and bioactive properties positions PLA/GeH nanocomposites as promising candidates for applications in bioactive packaging and biomedical materials.