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Electro-conductive carbon nanofibers containing ferrous sulfate for bone tissue engineering
Houra Nekounam1, Hadi Samadian2, Shahin Bonakdar3
1Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; National Cell Bank of Iran, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
Life Sciences
|July 4, 2021
Summary
This study developed electro-conductive scaffolds using carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and ferrous sulfate for bone tissue engineering. The resulting nanocomposites show promising biocompatibility and mechanical strength for scaffold applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Electroactive scaffolds are crucial for bone tissue engineering.
- Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) offer excellent mechanical strength and electrical conductivity.
- Integrating specific ions can enhance scaffold properties for regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate electro-conductive scaffolds using ferrous sulfate-containing CNFs for bone tissue engineering.
- To investigate the effect of ferrous sulfate incorporation on CNF morphology, structure, and electrical properties.
- To evaluate the cytocompatibility of the developed nanocomposite scaffolds for in vitro applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of nanocomposite scaffolds by blending ferrous sulfate (FeSO4·7H2O) with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor, followed by electrospinning and heat treatment.
- Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy.
- Assessment of electrical resistance and in vitro cytocompatibility studies.
Main Results:
- FeSO4·7H2O incorporation did not adversely affect nanofiber morphology, with uniform Fe ion dispersion confirmed by EDX.
- FTIR and Raman spectroscopy indicated successful interaction and enhanced carbon ordering within the nanocomposite.
- Electrical conductivity was reduced but remained suitable for electrical stimulation; cytocompatibility was confirmed with negligible toxicity (<10%) at 15 wt% FeSO4·7H2O.
Conclusions:
- The fabricated CNFs/Fe2O3 nanocomposites exhibit promising mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and suitable electrical conductivity.
- These nanocomposites are viable candidates for advanced bone tissue engineering scaffolds.
- The study demonstrates the potential of incorporating ferrous sulfate into CNFs for enhanced biomaterial applications.
