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Fabrication of a Bioactive, PCL-based "Self-fitting" Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold
Published on: October 23, 2015
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Biocompatible electrically conductive nanofibers from inorganic-organic shape memory polymers
Dan Kai1, Mein Jin Tan1, Molamma P Prabhakaran2
1Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, #08-03 Innovis, Singapore 138634, Singapore, Singapore.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|October 1, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed novel conductive shape memory polyurethane nanofibers for nerve tissue engineering. These 4D scaffolds demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and shape memory properties, offering potential for advanced nerve regeneration therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Porous shape memory scaffolds with electrical conductivity are crucial for nerve tissue engineering.
- Developing advanced materials that mimic biological structures and functions is a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel shape memory polyurethane nanofibers with electrical conductivity.
- To evaluate the potential of these nanofibers as scaffolds for nerve tissue regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a poly(PCL/PDMS urethane) polymer.
- Electrospinning of nanofibers incorporating varying amounts of carbon black.
- Characterization of fiber morphology, crystallinity, electrical resistivity, and shape memory properties.
- Assessment of cell-cell interactions and biocompatibility using PC12 cells.
Main Results:
- Incorporation of carbon black increased fiber diameter and reduced crystallinity and resistivity.
- Nanofibers maintained excellent shape recovery (>90%) and shape fixity (>82%) after multiple cycles.
- Composite scaffolds exhibited good biocompatibility and promoted cell-cell interactions.
- The poly(PCL/PDMS urethane)/carbon-black nanofibers demonstrated promising shape memory and electrical properties.
Conclusions:
- The developed poly(PCL/PDMS urethane)/carbon-black nanofibers are suitable for nerve tissue engineering.
- These smart 4D scaffolds hold potential for advancing nerve regeneration strategies.
- The combination of shape memory and electrical conductivity offers unique advantages for neural applications.
