Pyrene-end-functionalized poly(L-lactide) as an efficient carbon nanotube dispersing agent in poly(L-lactide):
I Martínez de Arenaza1, M Obarzanek-Fojt, J R Sarasua
1Department of Mining-Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country (EHU-UPV), Faculty of Engineering, Alameda de Urquijo s/n 48013 Bilbao, Spain.
Biomedical Materials (Bristol, England)
|July 9, 2015
Summary
This study enhanced poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) implants using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and a pyrene-end-functionalized PLLA (py-end-PLLA) dispersing agent. The resulting nanocomposites showed improved mechanical properties and supported bone cell growth for bone tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) is a common biodegradable polymer for medical implants.
- Improving PLLA's mechanical properties and biocompatibility is crucial for advanced applications.
- Achieving uniform dispersion of nanofillers like multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in PLLA is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of well-dispersed MWCNTs in a PLLA matrix on mechanical properties.
- To evaluate pyrene-end-functionalized PLLA (py-end-PLLA) as a dispersing agent for MWCNTs in PLLA.
- To assess the in vitro bioacceptance and osteogenic potential of PLLA/py-end-PLLA/MWCNTs nanocomposites.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of pyrene-end-functionalized PLLA (py-end-PLLA).
- Preparation of PLLA/py-end-PLLA/MWCNTs nanocomposites with varying MWCNT content.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for dispersion analysis.
- Mechanical testing to determine Young's modulus (E).
- In vitro cell culture studies using human bone marrow stromal cells (HBMC).
- Assays for cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic marker expression.
Main Results:
- Py-end-PLLA effectively dispersed MWCNTs within the PLLA matrix.
- Optimal dispersion and improved Young's modulus (E) were observed at 4 wt% py-end-PLLA.
- PLLA/py-end-PLLA/MWCNTs nanocomposites demonstrated good cytocompatibility.
- HBMC adhesion and proliferation were supported by the nanocomposites.
- Cells maintained their osteogenic differentiation potential.
Conclusions:
- The combination of MWCNTs and py-end-PLLA significantly enhances the mechanical properties of PLLA.
- The developed nanocomposites exhibit excellent biocompatibility and support osteogenic differentiation.
- These PLLA/py-end-PLLA/MWCNTs nanocomposites show promise for bone tissue engineering applications.
- The use of py-end-PLLA as a dispersing agent is effective for creating advanced PLLA-based biomaterials.
