Biodegradable Composite Nanofiber Containing Fish-Scale Extracts

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Biodegradable polymers like polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) are crucial for sustainable materials.
• Fish-scale powder (FSP) is a potential source of hydroxyapatite for composite materials.
• Developing advanced composite nanofibers requires effective filler-matrix integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize biodegradable composite nanofibers using treated fish-scale powder (TFSP) and PHA or modified PHA (MPHA).
• To evaluate the influence of TFSP content on the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of the composite nanofibers.
• To explore the potential of these composite nanofibers in biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Treated fish-scale powder (TFSP) was prepared through water, acid, and heat treatment.
• Composite nanofibers (TFSP/PHA and TFSP/MPHA) were fabricated using electrospinning with a biaxial feed method.
• Characterization included particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile testing, and water contact angle measurements.

Main Results:

• TFSP, with high hydroxyapatite content and a Ca/P ratio similar to bone, served as a suitable filler.
• MPHA/TFSP nanofibers exhibited greater uniformity and stronger matrix bonding compared to PHA/TFSP.
• MPHA/TFSP composites showed enhanced tensile strength with increasing TFSP content, while elongation at failure decreased.
• TFSP incorporation increased hydrophilicity in both PHA/TFSP and MPHA/TFSP membranes, promoting cell growth.

Conclusions:

• The MPHA/TFSP composite nanofibers offer improved mechanical properties and enhanced hydrophilicity.
• The TFSP filler positively influences the cellular environment, making the composite suitable for cell growth.
• These biodegradable composite nanofibers hold significant promise for various biomedical applications.