Poly(3- hydroxybutyrate)/Bioglass(®) composite films containing carbon nanotubes

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Composites
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Poly(3hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) is a biodegradable polymer with potential biomedical applications.
• Bioglass(®) is known for its osteoconductive properties.
• Mulli-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can enhance electrical and mechanical properties of polymers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize Poly(3hydroxybutyrate)/Bioglass(®) composites incorporating MWCNTs.
• To investigate the effect of MWCNTs on the electrical properties and bioactivity of the composites.
• To evaluate the in vitro degradation and hydroxyapatite formation of the composite films.

Main Methods:

• Solvent casting technique for composite preparation.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for microstructural and phase analysis.
• Current-voltage measurements for electrical property assessment.
• In vitro degradation study in simulated body fluid (SBF).

Main Results:

• MWCNTs and Bioglass(®) particles were homogeneously dispersed in the P(3HB) matrix.
• Electrical resistance decreased with increasing MWCNT concentration.
• Hydroxyapatite layer formation was confirmed on P(3HB)/Bioglass(®)/MWCNT composites after SBF immersion.
• MWCNTs did not impede the bioactivity of Bioglass(®).

Conclusions:

• P(3HB)/Bioglass(®)/MWCNT composites can be successfully prepared via solvent casting.
• The addition of MWCNTs enhances the electrical conductivity of P(3HB)/Bioglass(®) composites.
• These composites exhibit promising bioactivity, forming a hydroxyapatite layer in SBF, indicating potential for bone tissue engineering.