Polycaprolactone-starch blends with corn-based coupling agent: physical properties and in vitro analysis.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Engineering

Background:

• Polycaprolactone-starch blends are investigated for improved material properties.
• Zein, a protein with amphiphilic characteristics, is explored as a potential additive.
• Enhancing blend miscibility and biocompatibility is a key objective in biomaterial development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate zein as a coupling agent in polycaprolactone-starch blends.
• To assess the impact of zein on the blend's mechanical, thermal, and physical properties.
• To determine the effect of zein on the biocompatibility of the polycaprolactone-starch blend.

Main Methods:

• Single-step blending process incorporating zein.
• Mechanical property testing (strength, stiffness).
• Characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis.
• Biocompatibility assessment via contact angle, weight gain in simulated body fluid, and in vitro cell analysis.

Main Results:

• Zein addition did not significantly alter the blend's strength or stiffness.
• Hydrophilicity and cell affinity of the polycaprolactone-starch blend were enhanced by zein.
• Zein did not function as a coupling agent to improve miscibility between polycaprolactone and starch.

Conclusions:

• Zein improves the biocompatibility of polycaprolactone-starch blends.
• The addition of zein enhances surface hydrophilicity and cellular interaction.
• Zein's role is primarily as a biocompatibility enhancer rather than a miscibility coupling agent in this blend system.