Biocompatible epoxy modified bio-based polyurethane nanocomposites: mechanical property, cytotoxicity and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Developing novel biocompatible materials is crucial for advanced medical applications.
• Polyurethane nanocomposites offer tunable properties for various uses.
• Natural oil-based polymers present sustainable alternatives in materials science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate epoxy modified Mesua ferrea L. seed oil (MFLSO) based polyurethane nanocomposites as biocompatible materials.
• To investigate the effect of varying clay loadings on the properties of these nanocomposites.
• To assess the potential of these materials for biomaterial applications.

Main Methods:

• Nanocomposites were synthesized using an ex situ solution technique with mechanical shearing and ultrasonication.
• Characterization involved Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Mechanical properties, thermal stability, biodegradation rates, and cytotoxicity (via anti-hemolytic assay) were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Mechanical properties like tensile strength and scratch hardness improved significantly (2 and 5 times, respectively).
• Thermostability increased by approximately 40°C, and impact resistance showed a slight improvement.
• A 5-10 fold increase in biodegradation rate was observed, alongside confirmed non-cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• Epoxy modified MFLSO based polyurethane nanocomposites exhibit enhanced mechanical and thermal properties.
• These nanocomposites demonstrate improved biodegradation and non-cytotoxic behavior, confirming biocompatibility.
• The developed materials show significant potential for application as biomaterials.