Biocompatible poly(L-lactide)/MWCNT nanocomposites: morphological characterization, electrical properties, and stem...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a biodegradable polymer with potential in tissue engineering.
• Enhancing PLLA's electrical properties and biocompatibility is crucial for advanced applications.
• Nanostructured materials offer unique properties for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize PLLA/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites.
• To investigate the electrical properties and surface structure of these nanocomposites.
• To evaluate the suitability of PLLA/MWCNT nanocomposites for adult stem cell culture.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PLLA/MWCNT nanocomposites with varying MWCNT concentrations (0-3 wt%).
• Electrical conductivity measurements to determine the percolation threshold.
• Surface structure analysis.
• In vitro culture of adult stem cells on the nanocomposite substrates.

Main Results:

• A percolation threshold for electrical conductivity was observed between 0.21-0.33 wt% MWCNTs.
• Electrical conductivity increased by six orders of magnitude with MWCNT incorporation.
• Surface structure was altered by increasing MWCNT concentration.
• PLLA/MWCNT nanocomposites supported primary adult stem cell culture.

Conclusions:

• PLLA/MWCNT nanocomposites exhibit significantly enhanced electrical properties.
• The incorporation of MWCNTs influences the surface characteristics of PLLA.
• These nanocomposites serve as promising substrates for stem cell culture in tissue engineering.